Preservation Note 15

Bronze Hardware Replication

Doors and Windows

November-91

Hardware-08700

Attached are sources for replicating missing or irreparably damaged
bronze hardware at historic buildings. These firms will fabricate custom
castings by making molds from existing, original pieces, or, when no
original exist, from original drawings or photographs. Of course, the
more detailed the documentation, the better.

Original drawings of many historic architectural elements are available
in your building\'s Historic Structure Report or the microfiche files of
GSA\'s Technical Resources Library, Regional Office Building, 7th and D
Streets, SW (phone (202) 708-6278 for appointment).

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To get an estimate for replication, provide the fabricator with close up
photographs and/or drawings showing front and side views of the
element(s), exact dimensions, and any complex detailing. Ideally, a 35mm
camera, macro lens, and slow exposure should be used.
Architect/Engineering firms can be contracted to provide photographs if
your office does not have the needed photographic equipment. Provide a
list of the quantity of each element needed, since it will determine the
unit cost.

Insert the following requirements into the project specifications:

1\. Replace missing hardware with replicas to match originals:

(List quantity of each element)

2\. Design(s) to be taken from: (List on the basis of availability)

Existing original hardware

Original construction drawings

Photographs of original hardware

3\. New elements must match originals in all respects, including form,
material, finish, and fineness of detail. Use the casting and finishing
methods which produce the highest quality of detail. Sand casting is
acceptable for large, flat elements such as exterior grilles. Lost wax
casting (also known as \"investment\" casting or \"ceramic shell\"
casting) is required for finely detailed ornamental hardware.

4\. The artisan is responsible for shrink factoring so that the
replacement element matches the dimensions of the original.

5\. If no original elements exist, and original drawings or
specifications indicating the originally intended finish are not
available. Fabricate new hardware to match the original finish (color,
texture, sheen) of other original hardware in the building (as indicated
in the building\'s Historic Structure Report).

6\. Submit one sample of each unique casting for approval by Contracting
Officer\'s Representative prior to proceeding with fabrication remaining
elements listed in scope of work.

7\. Provide the Government with any molds prepared specifically for this
fabrication project.

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Custom Castings for Hardware Replication Fabricators

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Abercrombie and Company

9159A Brookville Rd.

Silver Spring, MD 20910

\(301\) 585-2385

Casts brass, lead, bronze, silver Conant Custom Brass

P.O. Box 1523

270 Pine Street

Burlington, VT 05401

\(802\) 658-4482

Ball and Ball 463

W. Lincoln Hwy.

Exton, PA 19341

\(215\) 363-7330

Brian Leo

7520 Stevens Avenue

South Richfield, MN 55423

\(612\) 861-1473

Also provides custom castings

in aluminum, steel, and other alloys

Bronze et al

Holbrook Road

Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510

\(914\) 941-1015