Allen & Baron

Since 1937 – Projects from the 21st Century

ceiling fixture | antique satin brass | matte laquer

August31

ceiling fixture | antique satin brass | matte laquer | beforeceiling fixture | antique satin brass | matte laquer | afterA satin antique brass finish was selected for this vintage ornate ceiling fixture.  Our customer did not want a shiny luster so we gave it a final clear coating of a matte lacquer to protect its new finish.

chicago-niles hardware

August30

the chicago-based manufacturer of this hardware was niles hardware. this was often used on pre-turn of the century, post-chicago fire homes. as this was prior to the days of ups/fedex, hardware was much more regional in its use.

chicago manufactured hardware

August30

this hardware is typical of original and replacement hardware that you would find on pre-turn of the century chicago homes. this hardware may or may not be used as part of a current restoration that we are working on.

brass candlesticks | polish lacquer | restore

August27

brass candlesticks | polish lacquer | restore | beforebrass candlesticks | polish lacquer | restore | afterWe restored these great candlesticks by giving them a new polished brass finish and a coating of clear lacquer.  The large pair stand over 3 feet tall!

architectural hardware | custom finishing | traditional design

August23

architectural hardware | custom finishing | traditional designThese pieces are from our very own wilmette hardware line of fine architectural hardware.  If you cannot make it into our showroom to actually touch and feel this amazing hardware, please visit our website at www.wilmettehardware.com.

chalice & patten | 24k gold lining

August19

chalice & patten | 24k gold liningDid you know that we have the capabilities to 24k gold plate the inside only of your chalice or cup?  Let us help you restore your item to it’s original grandeur.

brass table | polish & lacquer | finish restoration

August15

brass table | polish & lacquer | finish restoration | beforebrass table | polish & lacquer | finish restoration | afterHere is a before and after of a brass table that we polished and gave a coating of clear lacquer.

cast iron front door hardware | strap hinge | verde finish

August11

cast iron front door hardware | strap hinge | verde finish This cast iron front door hardware was given our popular verde finish by our craftsman.  These strap hinges measured over 30 inches!

bathroom hardware | bronze and lacquer | restoration

August7

bathroom hardware | bronze and lacquer | restorationHere are some bathroom hardware pieces that we matched a customer supplied sample.  We have the capabilities of duplicating just about any finish you can come up with.

re-tinning pot | tin lining | copper pan

July28

re-tinning pot | tin lining | copper panDo you have a favorite pot or pan that just isn’t working like it used to and hate the idea of getting rid of it?  Let us bring it back to it’s original luster.  We polished these copper pots and gave them a new tin lining – ready to go on that favorite recipe.

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Al Bar Wilmette
127 Green Bay Road
Wilmette, Illinois 60091
www.albarwilmette.com
888.609.1698

Walter Baron, Esquire an attorney who practiced in Chicago, Illinois provided funding for Mr. Burt Allen to start a restoration and plating company in Hubbard Woods/Winnetka, Illinois.  Al Bar was founded, and these two gentleman later merged with Wilmette Electroplaters (founded in 1937).  This blog was created to exhibit some of the present day projects we work on for both local clients and out of town customers.  We at Al Bar Wilmette look forward to work on your project to continue the history of this fine establishment.