The Greeks and Romans were skilled workers in the metals, and many beautiful examples remain to attest their ability and ingenuity.
During the dark ages, following the conflict waged between the barbarians of Northern Europe and the Romans, and resulting in the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century, the art of working the metals nearly disappeared. Not until the Revival of Learning in the 13th century did the art again receive the attention to which it was entitled. As late as the reign of Edward III, of England, in the 14th century, the iron pots and pans of the royal kitchen were listed among the “jewels of His Majesty.” During the 15th and 16th centuries, great progress was made among all civilized nations by skilled artificers. Much of their work is still extant, and their “cunning of hand” and “keenness of intellect,” as displayed in their products, serve, like torches, to light the way to higher endeavor. From that time to the present, great progress has been made. During the latter half of the 17th, the 18th, and the beginning of the 19th centuries, especially, art work received a great impetus, and much of the present-day adaptations are modeled from the schools of ornament then produced.
17. Metals Used in Hardware Manufacture.—The metals chiefly used in manufacturing the products of the smiths’ art are iron and steel and the copper alloys known as brass and bronze. Iron remains as the chief material of construction for all the cheaper grades of hardware, while brass and bronze are more generally used for “destructible,” or wearing, parts and the finer and more elaborate decorative work. These alloys also adapt themselves admirably to the great variety of finishes that are now in vogue. Iron is also used considerably for elaborate decorations in wrought and cast designs, and is very desirable in the “rustless-iron” finish, technically known as “Bower-Barff,” which derives its name from its two inventors.
White metal has been recently introduced, but will probably not be so universally adopted as brass or bronze, owing to the great number and variety of items used in hardware fittings, which would necessitate stores carrying a full line of white-metal goods. At present, white metal is used principally for hospital buildings and bathrooms.
18. Commercial and Stock Designs.—In recent years, manufacturers have made rapid strides in producing beautiful and elaborate trim in the several schools of ornament, and the most exacting critic can now procure artistic designs. The finishes are made to harmonize or contrast with any color treatment.
The principal hardware manufacturers can provide from stock, locks, hinges, and escutcheons finished in any manner and designed in any of the following schools of architectural ornament. They will also provide hardware in special designs from sketches furnished by the architect, including armorial or emblematic designs, if required. These several schools of ornament are here arranged in alphabetical order.
| Byzantine | Gothic, French |
| Colonial | Gothic, German |
| Elizabethan | Gothic, Italian |
| Empire | Greek |
| English Renaissance | Henry II |
| Flemish | Indian |
| Francis I | Italian Renaissance |
| French Renaissance | Japanese |
| German Renaissance | L’Art Nouveau |
| Gothic, English |
19. Finishes.—The basic metals upon which are applied the variety of finishes now obtainable, are iron, steel, brass, bronze, and white metal, of which the three latter, even in their highly polished natural state, are the most durable. These metals will not rust or corrode when exposed as will iron or steel, and when tarnished can be readily cleaned and polished.
Nearly all the fancy finishes are obtained by electroplating and acid treatment on the natural metals, the finish being then lacquered to preserve it. Some of these finishes are very attractive and desirable, but where exposed to constant usage, have not the durability of the natural metals, as they cannot be polished or cleaned without the finish being injured or destroyed.
Many architects or owners purposely select applied finishes with the object in view that they will need little attention. When selections are being made for exterior purposes or where there is likely to be excessive handling, it is best to select the darker shades with sanded surfaces. For interior purposes, the more delicate finishes are desirable for the decorative effect; they also wear reasonably well.