Hardware History

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Functional shutters were apparent on homes throughout this nation’s history. Shutters have historically been included in the construction because they served several practical functions: · They were an integral element of the home’s security. · They served as an important first barrier against the elements. · They provided privacy screens.

There were no organized police forces in our American early cities; home security was the individual’s responsibility. The exterior doors were stout, iron-bound affairs, leaving the windows as the easiest means of forceful entry. Virtually all of the windows in Colonial America were provided with locking shutters. The closing and barring of the shutters was a nightly ritual even when the weather was not a consideration.

The Evolution of Shutter Hardware

In colonial times, all shutter hardware was hand-forged by blacksmiths. The leading technology of the period found many skilled smiths hammering hardware from iron bar stock in Early English factories. Their output was shipped to the Colonies on English ships and sold into the American market. This trade was defined and supported by English law. It was illegal for Colonials to produce finished iron goods.

Hardware of English import was common in coastal American cities frequented by English ships making imported products readily available. Moving further inland, more hardware of local manufacturers were found. Overland transportation was very expensive, and inland settlers were far removed from the arm of English law.

Hardware produced in the Colonies typically displayed wide variation in form, often reflecting the cultural influence of the settlers’ homelands.

All of the hardware of this period was surface mounted. The hinges were fastened to the face of the shutters rather than their edges. This was dictated by the fasteners which were available. Apprentice smiths hammered out nails and rivets to secure the hinges. At that time screws had to be hand made and were too expensive for common use.