looking for small period strap hinges

bbrown

bbrown

Well-known member
  I'm looking for iron strap hinges in the range of 4 to 7 inches long.

These are for period Bible boxes in the Chester County, PA style, ca. 1730-70.

  Having some trouble finding authentic looking, quality period strap hinges.  Tulip or other designs preferred, but just plain straps OK too.

  Thanks,

    --Bill

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Some of my furniture.........http://allanbreed.com/profile/williambrown
 
Thank you Dennis.

  I did not think to look here.   Seems the usual hardware places:  Ball & Ball, Horton, etc. do not make smaller strap hinges.

  I'm not sure about the quality, but I did order a pair of 6 1/2 " straps for my box:  http://woodworker.com/6-12-strap-hinge-flush-mssu-110-672.asp?search=strap%20hinge&searchmode=2

   They offer "flush" and "off-set" hinge options, so I got the "off-set" thinking that might be better for a box lid with an overhanging lip on the back.  I suppose I'll need to cut a groove in the back of the box to accommodate the hinge pin.  I want the hinge to be seen on the inside of the box lid, not on the outside.  Looks like the hinge will have to be fastened to the outside of the back, not the inside, to make it work.

 The hardware makes the piece (or maybe better to say that it can ruin it if not done well), so I'm open to other suggestions.  I sort of like the strap hinge best, looking at photos of period pieces, mostly Chester Co., PA (where I'm from).  

  Thanks again.

   --Bill

 
Bill,

I've used these strap hinges many times and they are very easy to bend if needed. They are good quality and very old looking. You do have to supply your own screws.

Dennis Bork
 
William:

Not sure how important the period form is to you, but Lee Valley sells a number of small strap-type hinges that I've frequently used for small boxes.  They're made from mild steel, so they don't have the surface inclusions that are found in period wrought-iron hinges, but the price is a whole lot easier to swallow than having a blacksmith make some for you out of the right material (that can cost several hundred dollars per pair):

http://www.leevalley.com/US/Hardware/page.aspx?p=45369&cat=3,41241

http://www.leevalley.com/US/Hardware/page.aspx?p=40251&cat=3,41241,41262&ap=1

http://www.leevalley.com/US/Hardware/page.aspx?p=41912&cat=3,41241,41262&ap=1

http://www.leevalley.com/US/Hardware/page.aspx?p=41913&cat=3,41241,41262&ap=1
 
  Mike,
  Interestingly,  I had already contacted Fisher Forge for a price for custom sized hinges.  He does not carry in stock the size I needed for the Bible box, which is a bit more diminutive than a period piece (when the Bibles were quite large and heavy).  It was more than I wanted to pay, so I went ahead and ordered the WW Supply hinges.

    Mr. Keller,
  I wish I had thought of Lee Valley.  I really liked what I saw there - I'll try these next time; I'm planning on more of these boxes.  I'm using line and berry, geometric patterns I'm finding at Wintertur and around Chester Co., PA,  and personalising them with initials, etc.  Thanks so much for the links.

  Appreciate all the help guys.

    -Bill
 
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