Hard to find hardware

[George Sanders]

I seem to be looking for a needle in a haystack. I am looking for some hardware for a drop front secretary that will push out the lid supports as the lid is being lowered. Any suggestions?

[John Thompson]

Try Van Dyke's restoration and if they don't have it... Google Antique Furniture Hardware. I found some hinges recently for a Stickley style desk by using Google.

Good luck...

Sarge..

[Prashun Patel]

Call Rockler. They also have a good selection of hardware.

Just make sure yr wife's not around when you ask yr secretary to drop her front.:eek:

[Larry Fox]

If you can't find it, Ball & Ball should be able to make it for you.

http://www.ballandball-us.com/index.html

I am fortunate enough to have them located right down the street from me.

[Brad Shipton]

Hafele manuf a lot of high end speciality hardware too. I know a few do not like them much, but I have always had good luck. Its usually expensive, but DIN numbers do not come cheap.

BRad

[Steve Rozmiarek]

I'll second Ball and Ball, great stuff. However, I guess I've never seen such a beast as you describe. Are you sure there is a piece of hardware built to do this? Seems like it would be hard to design a universal piece of hardware in this instance.

[George Sanders]

According to Taunton's Complete Guide to Choosing and installing Hardware, by Robert J. Settich; this critter does exist. It appears on page 69. The author states (at the time of printing) the low profile special mechanism cost about $15. Nowhere in his book does he identify the manufacturer or the vendor. In the back of the book is a list of hardware sites and I was hoping I could get a quicker lead on this item than looking at endless pages of hardware.

[Paul Murphy]

This fellow mentions something about automatic pullouts on his desk, but I can’t see any detail in his picture.
http://www.windsorchair.com/unique_pieces/slant_front_desk.htm (http://www.windsorchair.com/unique_pieces/slant_front_desk.htm)

I have seen a solution that involved slotting the writing surface for a “follower” link between the supports and the desk surface. I didn’t really like the slotting, and the link moved above the desk surface which I did not really like either. Possibly a more refined version of this exists, but I have not seen one.

If you find something you like, please let us know.