Hardware Question

[MonicaJacobson]

Hi all,

I'm supposed to make a purse/briefcase for a lawyer. I was planning to buy brass hardware from buckleguy or Springfield leather, but then my husband said that brass will tarnish, so I need to make sure I get anodized brass, or gold plated. However, most of the places I've looked have no information on the finish at all.

Should I just steer clear of brass altogether and save myself the headache?

[scottyslife]

Well for what it's worth I have the opposite problem, i'm not a fan of whiney brass. I like a nice antique finish. That being said from my readings here, there and everywhere most brass hardware I have been reading about is lacquer finished so it won't tarnish. Don't take my word for it the best thing is to call Springfield and ask them. On a personal note I have been following your work and hope I can do as well when I grow up

Scott

And that should be shiny brass stupid kindle lol

Scott

[DavidL]

I would look past springfield to others that specialize solely on manufacturing Made in USA leather hardware. The quality control, quality of material and finish will be more durable and stunning than the made in china goods from Springfieldleather or tandy. Some may supply made in italy and france goods and distribute within USA if you are looking for something with a palladium finish. If anything try to purchase made in USA and look for stainless for silver coloured hardware, for brass I'm not sure which is the best.

[MonicaJacobson]

Scott, LOL, yeah, I was like, "well he must not like brass at ALL if he calls it whiney." Funny. Thanks, I guess that's exactly what I need to do. Call springfield, that is. My problem is, the client is somewhat sparing on the details, and what he said is that his wife's current bag has gold hardware. So. Should the new bag match? It's supposed to be a surprise, and I don't think he wants to make niggling detail questions.

Thanks also for the kind words! I hope I'm getting better, but there's still a long way to go.

David, thanks, I'm definitely considering the all stainless route. At least then I know it's not going to be a problem in a year or two.

[Oldtoolsniper]

Anodized brass and gold plated both retain the "Shined Brass" look for years of use as a belt buckle, I wore it every day so I don't think losing the shine will be a problem. My belt buckles lasted about 3 years.

Just to clarify I retired from the Marine Corps and shining brass was something that was a requirement every day as well as shining boots. Anodized and Gold plated brass solved the daily brass polishing issue. Boots still got shined every day.

Have the client snap a pic of the hardware on the item. No questions need to be asked and the party receiving it will be none the wiser.

[MonicaJacobson]

Thanks, OTsniper. That's good to know. I think people are pretty resigned to things not looking perfectly new after 3 years. 3 months might be annoying, though. So that's definitely reassuring.