Traditional Letter Plates And The Memories They Bring

By Author: Jo Alelsto
Total Articles: 405
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Ironmongery is a general term that refers to the manufacture of iron goods which are created for domestic or home use, rather than the common industrial or factory use. This term is now used to define a wider array of iron-made household items and utensils which are also blended with other metals and minerals. The tradition of crafting iron ware for domestic household use has been recorded in the earliest human civilizations and societies, and further flourished during the Middle Ages as well as in the 18th and 19th centuries. At present, there has surprisingly been a lot of interest in incorporating traditional and classic designs to today's home decoration patterns. Man has begun to set their sights into purchasing classic, old-world style iron-made products. From restoring period homes to redesigning modern houses with traditional crafts, furniture and utensils, demand has risen for classic materials and items such as traditional letter plates, iron door knobs, locks, hinges, cabinet fittings as well as classical windows and furniture.

Many have been fascinated with the architectural and design patterns of the ...
... middle Ages and the early 18th and 19th centuries. Some have inkling for ornate designs and traditions featured during these times and many cherished the manner in which the different products and utensils have been crafted and designed during these classical times. During the middle Ages and succeeding decades, these periods were symbolic for its castles, well-dressed nobility as well as their classy, well-designed and spacious homes. Among the classic old-world items that are making a comeback today are traditional letter plates. The letter plates of the Middle Ages and the 18th and 19th centuries feature letter plates that have simple yet classic designs, ranging from gold-plated plates to those fabricated with the textures of malleable iron and brass.

These days, many classic letter plate products are made of good-quality malleable iron. This variety is usually made in such a manner that after casting, it is then subjected to a heat treatment process known as annealing. During the process of annealing, the iron castings are heated at temperatures of around 1000o C, sometimes even up to 100 hours, and in direct contact with hematite ore. Haematic ore serves as an oxidizing agent and acts to eradicate carbon from the casting. Carbon, according to metallurgists, is the reason why cast iron becomes brittle; therefore eradicating it would make the casting more malleable and extra tough. Letter plates made from brass make for visually-appealing materials. There are brass-made plates that have a polished finish, good for adding that gentle grandiose touch to your doors. These brass letter plates may also be polished with a nickel finish to lend a more contemporary look and feel. There are also letter plates made from steel.

The trend in applying classic and traditional designs and architecture to today's modern homes has risen, owing to the longing by many homeowners for the nostalgia and mystery of the Middle Ages, the Victorian period or even the Renaissance. Hand-made ironmongery and its related products have seen a much higher level of appreciation from consumers. They are currently being widely utilized in property restoration projects as well as in incorporating traditional designs into contemporary modern housing. Traditional letter plate designs are now manufactured using modern high-tech processes like galvanizing and powder coating, which are vital in eliminating rust as well as in making these items last for decades. At present, there are a number of letter plate manufacturers who continue to design and craft period or traditional plates, and there are those who incorporate more modern patterns and materials to the classic designs.
Jo is a content writer for ‘Period Features' (http://www.periodfeatures.net), a small UK company that wants to develop into an excellent supplier of traditional period and heritage fixtures, fittings and decor as well as give outstanding and warm assistance to its patrons. If you wish to improve the design of your door and intend to place traditional letterplates or need several old-fashioned beautifying accessories then check out Period Features.