Optimum Brasses Ltd.
authentic lost-wax castings

Matching We can often supply replacements for brassware that has been lost from a piece of furniture. Sometimes we can match surviving brass-work or supply items that comply with shadows, post-holes or other evidence. In many cases, if we are given an actual brass or a photostat or full-sized drawing, we can search our full catalogues, known as Matchmaker Supplements, to find exact or suitable matches. Full-time restorers or conservators may find it more convenient to own all or some of the Matchmaker Supplements. You will find details of these in the price book that comes with the Main Catalogue. There is a charge for these but it has been our policy not to charge customers who own earlier editions of the Matchmaker Supplements for revised editions. Copying Service If we don't already have a match for a particular item that you need we can discuss having your fitting copied. The lost-wax process is particularly good for reproducing every intricate detail of an original. Over the years we have copied many hundreds of furniture handles and other items as diverse as a Martin's Bank grasshopper antenna, andiron finials, ceiling roses, a gun case handle and ink well lids. If the item that you send us would, in our view, be of use to other customers we will share the initial production costs with you. Where possible we try our best not to disturb any original patination and, free of charge, we will match the colour of your new castings to your original. Some examples of recent copies are shown below....
... a rare 17th Century escutcheon
... an Art Nouveau handle
... a Pilaster capital with caduceus motif
... a Lion Mask measuring 4"/10cm hign (lion) 5½"/13.5cm (overall height) by 3 ⅛"/8cm wide suitable as large sideboard handle or door knocker