Brass Escutcheons

[Windows]

I have a vague idea that at some point in the next decade I might like to make a couple of brass escutcheons (for room doors) to echo a design from a fireplace. The design would be kind of a Nouveau style with a couple of raised dimples and swoopy edges - simplified for the escutcheon, so it won’t end up super complicated.

I thought I’d start a thread so that anyone with brass working experience, opinions about escutcheons, or links to existing escutcheons could drop whatever info they considered appropriate here.

I imagine the process would be something like:
1. Get flat stock of appropriate thickness
2. Mark screw holes, key hole, dimples, and outline
3. Drill screw holes
4. Chamfer screw holes (how? using a countersink bit?)
4. Drill key hole roughly (or drill and saw?)
5. File key hole precisely
6. Make a dimple press (screw clamp?)
7. Use dimple press to make dimples
8. Cut outline roughly (hand saw?)
9. File outline precisely

Does that sound about right? What bits, saw blades to use for brass? Maybe dimples need to be added before everything else marked up?

 

[AndyT]

Here's an offering - from our Edwardian bedroom wardrobe.


The escutcheon (ignoring the drop handle) looks quite simple to make from flat sheet brass. Mark out, drill holes, saw round, file all the edges.

To cut the brass, you need a jeweller's piercing saw, which is like a mini coping saw and takes fine threadlike blades, like a fretsaw does.

You'll need an assortment of small files. Ideally Swiss needle files, but I noticed that Lidl have a set coming up soon that although cheap may be ok.

You'll also need a selection of fine and finer abrasive papers to clean up afterwards.

Alternatively, or if you want Art Nouveau swirls in the surface, you might need to look at repoussé work, where you use thinner metal and round tipped punches to stretch it from behind. Often used on larger pieces such as finger plates.

I'll see if I can find some period instructions but meanwhile you could look at my only attempt at 3D shaping brass, here:

Thread 'New brass bits for some old handles'

May 14, 2024

I've been pottering in the workshop again.

A few weeks ago I was very pleased when a good friend gave me an envelope with some bits and pieces in. They came from a nice old desk they have, which is sadly short of a few vital parts that hold the handles onto the drawers.

These are originals. I needed to make a matching threaded stud and another domed washer to go behind it, plus some nuts to fit whatever thread is on the existing studs.







I reckon I know how to do the stud but the domed back washer is a new one for me. Coincidentally, following @GaryR's...

• AndyT
• Replies: 25
• Forum: Engineering - Electrical/Metalworking

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[AndyT]

Here you go. This is from the 4 volume set "The Amateur Mechanic" which recycled material from the weekly paper "Work" and I think dates from the 1920s.

 

[Windows]

Fantastic. Thanks Andy.

I was thinking just curved outline to the plate rather than detail on the surface of the plate (other than the round dimples - maybe just large diameter nail punch rather than a press can do those; also possible simple drilled holes would be OK for that element too).

Awesome info. Really appreciate it.