Replacing Missing Antique Drawer Handles
Finding Replacements for Missing Brass Drawer Pulls
Nov 7, 2009
What could be more frustrating than finding a beautiful antique chest of drawers only to discover that one of the brass drawer handles is missing? Or what about a chest of drawers that's been handed down through the family and it's missing one of its handles? Is there a way to salvage the situation and preserve this beautiful treasure?
Should the Original Handles Be Preserved?
If the original handles add character to the chest and it would be difficult to find replacements that do the chest justice, it may be best to keep the originals and replicate the missing one. To do this, contact an antique furniture restorer and have them cast another matching brass drawer handle just like the original. This involves making a mold of one of the existing drawer handles and using the mold for replication. Once the mold is made, any number of replicas of the brass drawer handle can be made. Visit some local antique shops and find out whether they can recommend someone who does this type of work locally.
Are There Other Options for Missing Brass Drawer Handle?
Another option is to completely replace the brass drawer handles on the chest. New drawer handles can be purchased at many hardware stores, home stores, and do-it-yourself warehouses. Unfortunately, these handles are usually not of high quality and lack the detail and character of real antique brass drawer handles. In addition, not all handles can be adapted to an older chest of drawers without damaging the wood. One solution to this problem is to buy an antique chest that's in bad shape except for the handles and remove the brass drawer handles to replace the missing ones.
Another inexpensive option is to visit an architectural salvage store that sells antique and architectural parts from old buildings. They may have brass drawer handles that'll work nicely with an antique chest. There are also various online sites that sell antique brass drawer handles. And don't forget about the world's largest online marketplace – Ebay.
Enhancing the Original Brass Drawer Handles
If the decision is made to keep the original brass drawer handles, they can be refinished to remove some of the tarnish that's built up over the years. To do this, start by removing the original lacquer coating using a paint stripper. Once the lacquer has been removed, use a tarnish remover to clean up the brass. The brass drawer pulls can then be polished with a polishing cloth and another protective coat of lacquer reapplied. Some people choose to leave the tarnish on the handles since it adds to the "antiquity" of the piece.
Once the missing drawer handles are in place and the tarnish cleaned up, this "new" piece of antique furniture can be enjoyed.
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