Metal items attached to Boxes

Hardware

Nailed-in hinges (large head nails)

These surface mounted hinges with large-headed nails are found exclusively on Large Hasp with Feet (LHF) boxes. The same nails can also be found securing the hasp on the front of the boxes.

Nailed-in hinges (small head nails)

These surface mounted hinges with small-headed nails are found exclusively on Tall Hasp with Feet (THF) and Tall Hasp with Bun Feet (THBF) (seen in photo) boxes. The same nails can also be found securing the hasp on the front of the boxes.

Mortised Nailed-in hinges

These mortised hinges are found exclusively on the Tall Fluted with Feet (TFF) boxes. There are two versions of this hinge - see inset photo.

Because of the mortises and the interior mounting, the hinges are barely visible from the outside as seen in the supplemental photo below.

Pressed-in hinges

Pressed-in hinges have no fasteners and are found on all boxes except boxes with hasps (see above) and TFF. An integrated barb on the hinge is pressed into the wood securing it in place. This hinge is much quicker to install than those with nails. However, they tend to loosen a little over time but not as easily as nailed hinges. These hinges are found on all Tall (T) boxes and all Short box variations.

Screwed-in Lockset

This lock is found on all Tall Fluted with Feet (TFF), all Tall (T), all Short Rounded (SR), all Short Beveled (SB) and some Short (boxes). This lock was used from the late 1930's (1936?) to the late 1950's (1959?). This lock has tabs on each side that accept a small screw securing it to the box. Some locks accept a round key and some use a flat key - see Box Accessories for more details.

Pressed-in Lockset

This pressed-in lock is found only in Short (S) boxes and they only accept a flat key - see Box Accessories for more details on keys. The locks have integrated barbed tabs securing them to the wood. These locks replaced the screwed-in versions around 1960 and they reduced manufacturing time and costs due to their ease of installation.

Small Escutcheon

Small escutcheons are found on all Tall Fluted with Feet (TFF) and some older Tall (T) boxes. Shown is satin color in the photo, they measure approximately 3/8" in diameter. Escutcheons can be removed from the front of the box as they are just friction fitted. Escutcheon size can be used to help determine manufacture dates.

Large Escutcheon

Large escutcheons can be found in newer Tall (T) boxes and all short box variations other than those with Extra Large versions. Shown in chrome in the photo, they measure approximately 1/2" in diameter. This is the most common size of escutcheons found on miniature boxes. Escutcheons can be removed from the front of the box as they are just friction fitted. Escutcheon size can be used to help determine manufacture dates.

Extra Large Brass Escutcheon

This escutcheon has only been found on special short boxes that were made in the early 2000's. The diameter is approximately 5/8".

Dark (Black) Escutcheon

This is a large escutcheon shown in black. Escutcheons appear in many colors and no correlation to date of manufacture has been found based on color.

Gun-metal Escutcheon

This is a large escutcheon shown in a gun-metal or dark bronze color. Escutcheons appear in many colors and no correlation to date of manufacture has been found based on color.

Hasp and hook - "fancy" hasp

This hasp and hook has been found on Large Hasp with Feet (LHF), Tall Hasp with Feet (THF) and Tall Hasp with Bun Feet (THBF) boxes.

Hasp and hook - "simple" hasp

This hasp and hook (or loop) has only been found on Tall Hasp with Bun Feet (THBF) boxes. However, not all THBF have this version. See "fancy" for more information.

Measuring Guide