This 1888 Design is a:
One of a Kind
Reimagined Components: This antique tri-leaf drawer pull from the 1800s over top an antique Eagle Lock Co. key makes a perfect talisman of strength and grounding. We used a 24" 3mm braided brass rope chain to hang it on.
Components Found in: Lambertville NJ
~Dresser Handle~
When it comes to dresser and drawer handles there is more history than you might expect. Since 1888 loves repurposing them for our jewelry, we thought we’d teach you a little about them. In the 1660s the brass loop handle with a sturdy ornate backing started showing up. A common one would be the lion's face with a loop in its mouth. The loop itself was often engraved as well for an extra classy touch. Before the 1660’s the Oak Period from about 1600 to 1660 had lovely, engraved hardwood handles which don’t repurpose quite as well as the brass for our pieces. Many of the handles we find are seventieth-century-inspired brass, iron, or alloy handles but made in the ninetieth or early twentieth century.
~Eagle~
During my time in Nashville, I lived in a brick building that had a balcony overlooking a field. One morning while drinking my coffee I stood on the balcony and stared at all the field mice darting from one bush to another. I recall narrowing in on one mouse in particular thinking about how it was just living its little mouse life when suddenly an eagle diving from a nearby tree with unbelievable speed seemed to tackle the mouse! The eagle rolled, and the mouse spun with it while being trapped in its talons. The eagle then flapped its wings just twice hard and was back in the air. I watched it glide gracefully on the morning breeze and land back on the same branch it had launched from. I watched as it ate its breakfast and was reminded of life's uncertainty and that everything can change without warning. But I was also proud of the eagle for showing me how to survive, how to take only what is needed and not prolong suffering. It was over in an instant and life went on…
The Eagle on ancient Roman coins was a symbol of strength, courage, and immortality. They called it Aquila and it was believed to be the King of the birds.
~Keys / Locks~
The right key can unlock the door to a lover’s heart, a new and bright opportunity, a once in a lifetime adventure, a chest of treasure, a deep and dark secret, or even change time itself by the winding of an old grandfather clock…
Historically, Companies like PF Corbin (known for their beautifully engraved “Carded keys”) or the Tower company (1865 founder John Tower) who was responsible for the first metal handcuff, can serve as a reminder that there is beauty in having the key to free ourselves…but taking the first step through the door is entirely up to you…one key, one lock…but what’s on the other side of the door is infinite possibility.
~Brass~
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc which has gained popularity because of its bright color and resistance to wear.
~Leaf~
I have vivid recollections of the fiery orange ambers and gradient reds blanketing the mountain terrain around my Vermont home. They were sure to inspire my seasonally wild imaginings as I watched the foliage dance with one another in the wind. When my eyes had had their fill, I'd close them tightly to shut out the pulsing array of mountain fire... that way I could focus on the unique rustling the leaves made as they clung to their last few moments of connection to their parent tree." These fragile creations of nature represent unconditional giving and unassuming strength through the cycle’s seasonal rebirth. Luck is also an appropriate association with the leaf because to be a leaf is to be lucky enough to know purpose without question. It is also said that if you catch a leave on its fall from tree to ground, you will have good luck for some time after.
After each artifact or specimen has been discovered it is sent through a careful restoration process before being used in a design. If a particularly unique patina is found to add design value to an artifact, it's preserved & sealed to ensure its longevity & protection.
1888 Design
Upcycled Jewelry
Vintage // Antique // Reimagined
-Nathan & Ali
