Finding Unique Antique Hardware
Antique collecting is a fun and worthwhile hobby. Many of the items that you collect will appreciate in value and add unique color and ambiance to your home. One of the more neglected areas to collect in is antique hardware. This can be a good thing and a bad thing. The bad thing is that finding truly unique antique hardware can be difficult, but the good thing is that once you do you can be assured that it will increase in value.
Kinds of Antique Hardware
There are tons of different kinds of antique hardware out there, so you want to be a little particular when choosing what to buy. For starters, look at getting an antique rain gauge. These simple devices were used centuries ago by farmers to measure the amount of rainfall so they could adjust how much they watered their crops. Today they make a perfect accompaniment to any garden. These devices have a simple glass vial for collecting rain that is coupled with a metal measuring end to determine how much rain has fallen. As rain collects in the glass vial, the arm moves letting you know exactly how much rain has fallen.
Another neat idea is to look at antique hardware for use in your home. Door knobs, cabinet hinges, cabinet handles can all be replaced with authentic antique hardware to increase the value and appeal of your home. Something that has become more and more popular in recent years is replacing the light fixtures in your home with something more antique looking, but why not go all out and replace them with genuine antique hardware?
Many antiques can be purchased for a little more than their new modern counterparts, but unlike modern materials the value of the genuine antiques will increase in value while adding a unique and authentic feel to your home. If you really want to give your home that true country cottage turn of the century feel, antique hardware brackets and wall mounts for bookshelves are very inexpensive and can improve the overall look of your home.
Spend some time looking on the internet or going to antique stores and bargains are sure to be had. Many times these places do not specialize in antique hardware so they may not even know the value of the items they are selling. In addition antique hardware is not something that is commonly sought after and with a little determination and effort on you part you can incorporate these items into your home significantly increasing the value as well as your own personal enjoyment in your abode.
