The ironmongery that adorns old doors and windows is often beautiful and antique. Part of the history of the house, locks, latches, hinges, handles, knockers, letter plates, and even the screws they are fixed with, give clues to the status and period of the building and need to be cared for and maintained just as much as any other element.
Early fittings were made of wrought iron by blacksmiths; later, brass, cast iron and steel were employed, while the advent of the Industrial Revolution saw mass production and huge choice.
