Japan Finish, Flashed Copper or Tiger Stripe. Three names for the same type of plating. The plating was used on house hardware as well as other miscellaneous items in the 1920's and 1930's.
The "Craftsman Style" Kansas farm house I was raised in was built in 1926. My farm house was furnished with Japan Finish hardware when built.
In 1965 my mother and father moved the house to it's current location. My mother stripped the paint off of the down stairs wood work. During this process she removed and discarded all the old painted window hardware. My father rewired the house and removed and discarded light switches and light fixtures.
A few years ago, I started trying to find the hardware to get the house back to its 1926 vintage look. I have found pieces here and pieces there but am still struggling to find the pieces I need.
I travel for business and am able to search "Architectural Salvage businesses throughout the U.S. The goal of this website is to assist anyone searching for Japan Finish hardware for their projects. Also, if anyone has extra Japan Finish pieces, I would love to see them as I might need them for my house.
I look forward to hearing from anyone out there that has pieces, need pieces or is interested in Japan Finish. Sincerely Ray Blew.