where to find desk top hinge for antique secretary?

Question

the hinge that allows the front cabinet door to be lowered to become a desk top. local hardware stores are not familiar with this particular hinge because of the age of the piece

Answer 1

Old Wood Market here, a specialist antique seller of furniture. The first tip with such hinges, usually called drop fronts, is buying for the left or right side of the drop front, since the hardware is different. Now there are two main varieties, one that works as two attached brass pieces that slide in and out. The second is like an arm with an elbow - the arm is straight when the desk is down and bent when the desk drop front is closed. Take some measurements of existing holes and use the same type of hardware you're replacing if you have hardware to compare to.

Next, I'll mention an restorer's inside tip. Is the hardware for the rest of the piece brass, and if so does it appear aged? New brass hinges often distinctively appear new, but are sometimes sold as antique brass. If you can only purchase shiny brass, you might want to purchase a fluid that will take the luster off the brass, sold at vandykes. Get the hang of this fast working stuff using some nails since it can't be undone.

Locally, you might want to check for a Rockler store in your hometown, and the chain has many locations (link below). We've purchased there and their products are excellent.but selection online is best at van dykes restoration below. We've used vandykes restores and rocker extensively with their thousands of online hardware selections, and good value with no charge returns for both if it just doesnt look quite right.

http://www.rockler.com/retail/retail.cfm

The three sites listed have thousands of restoration and vintage hardware in their catalogs.

http://www.vandykes.com/category/1/

http://www.rockler.com/index.cfm?cookiet...

http://www.horton-brasses.com/

Last thing, see if there's a plate in the desk that also supports the drop front when it's down. If there is, it might look more consistent if the plate and the lowering piece are consistent, especially if the plate is worn - sentimentality vs repair call.

Good luck.

Answer 2

Antique Drop Front Secretary Desk

Answer 3

Secretary Desk Hardware

Answer 4

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RE:
where to find desk top hinge for antique secretary?
the hinge that allows the front cabinet door to be lowered to become a desk top. local hardware stores are not familiar with this particular hinge because of the age of the piece

Answer 5

Most that I have seen are called piano hinges. They are normally brass coated. They come in various sizes and lengths and can be cut to the needed length. This type hinge also helps support the the door all the way across.

Answer 6

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Its unlikely the two were directly connected. There was more likely some form of lever mechanism attached to the flap to operate the pop out arms. Some I believe were also manually pulled out.

Answer 7

Funny! 100!