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Ironmongery is a term for iron products made for domestic use. It has evolved to include other materials. In the past, blacksmiths produced iron products for retailers. Large chain stores replaced local hardware stores, but there is a revival of interest in old-fashioned hardware for restoration projects. Period hardware is also used in contemporary homes. Modern techniques prevent rusting.
Ironmongery is a traditional and somewhat old-fashioned term for iron products that were made for domestic use, rather than for industry. It has since become more important and now includes not only iron, but other metals and plastics as well. In Britain, the word “hardware” still has this meaning, although in the United States, the term “hardware” has been replaced by “hardware”. Additionally, the term “hardware merchant” evolved in some places as a slang term for an arms dealer.
The production and sale of iron artifacts has a very long tradition, dating back at least a few thousand years. In the Middle Ages, carpenters and similar craftsmen were able to benefit from the advances in ironworking that had occurred over the centuries and produced work of great value. These items included weapons, but also tools and other household implements.
The term “hardware store” was usually used simply to indicate someone who sold iron products, but in some areas it indicated a producer who used the domestic system. With this subcontracting system, the manufacturer distributed raw iron to the blacksmiths, i.e. those who made nails or other iron products. These finished products were then distributed to retailers. The main source of ironmongery in England in this period was the local blacksmith of a town. This pattern remained through the early and mid-20th century, where every small town had a blacksmith and ironmongery, or hardware store.
Eventually, large chain stores largely replaced locally owned hardware stores. Even amid this decline, however, there has been some revival of interest in old-fashioned hardware, especially for use in the restoration of old houses. These homes are restored to their original character with the help of such items as iron doorknobs, knockers, furniture hardware, and electrical fittings, among other things. Old-fashioned, handcrafted four-sided sledgehammer nails have also become popular as part of these restorations, helping to bring additional character to an older home or building.
The use of period hardware is not limited to the restoration of ancient or historically important buildings. Sometimes those living in contemporary homes use such materials as part of an overall décor. This new trend is aided somewhat by modern powder coating and galvanizing techniques which aim to prevent these iron parts from rusting as they otherwise would.
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