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Writer's pictureCharleston Hardware Co.

The History Behind the Hardware: Our Neoclassical Style French Pattern

All of our hardware patterns hold a rich history beyond the surface of their detailed designs. Most of these patterns have been replicated from century old casting techniques, creating an exact reproduction of their original.


Our Neoclassical Style French Pattern dates back to around 1890, when it was made by Sargent and Company of New Haven Connecticut. It’s original name was Frontenac. The back plates feature a stylized shell at the top and French scroll design.



We have reproduced this pattern by lost wax investment casting. First, an impression is made to each piece (similar to a dentist’s impression of teeth). The impression is filled with wax, and then the wax model is placed in a flask surrounded by investment material (the finest sand available).


The flask is then heated in an oven until all of the wax melts away leaving a mold with an empty space inside. Molten bronze is then poured into the mold. Finishing is done by hand using the same techniques used over a century ago.



This process is more time consuming and expensive than traditional sand casting. It is used to capture the finest details. Charleston Hardware Co. is one of the few reproduction hardware manufacturers offering this casting technique. The results are museum quality pieces!


Click here for more products from our Neoclassical French Style Pattern. Feel free to shop around and contact us for any questions you may have!




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ricardostimithys
Jan 24, 2023

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