Need to find rare hinges for dresser

2 years ago

We have a rare 1960 Drexel Declaration highboy dresser/"gentleman's chest." The top section has a hinged drop-front and the hinges are bent/broken. We need to find replacement hinges.

This is what the whole piece looks like - https://chairish-prod.freetls.fastly.net/image/product/sized/452ca5f1-4530-4e96-bf5b-be79a1133987/kipp-stewart-for-drexel-declaration-walnut-highboy-dresser-8194?aspect=fit&width=640&height=640

Here are pics from a similar dresser (yes, we have 2 different Declaration dressers with the same very rare type of drop-front!) that show the hinges:

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Comments (16)

Andrea W
Original Author
2 years ago
I found out that it is called a "pivot hinge" or "overlay pivot hinge" but I still can't find exactly the right one. This one has holes that are diagonal from each other instead of lined up, to make things complicated.
Fori
2 years ago
I don't think we can help with those photos. If you remove one, people might be able to make suggestions.

You might need to make new holes...
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Andrea W
Original Author
2 years ago
Here's a photo of one of the damaged hinges:
Andrea W
Original Author
2 years ago
These are the closest matches I could find and if I make new holes it would compromise the structure: https://www.hardwaresource.com/variable-overlay-pivot-hinge.html https://www.hardwaresource.com/1247-pivot-hinge-for-38-partial-inset-doors.html. These hinges are holding up fairly heavy drop-front doors.
tsugajunkie z5 SE WI ♱
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
Is it broken or just bent?

tj
Fori
2 years ago
Do you know why the hinge failed? Just wear and tear? or abuse?

You might want to modify the cubby once you fix it to have a cable or something similar to support the door when open (unless this hinge got mangled from an unusual occurrence).

I have some midcentury Drexel stuff. Beautiful? yes. Durable and sturdy? well, it's beautiful. :)
Andrea W
Original Author
2 years ago
One is broken and the other is bent.

I guess you could call it abuse, not normal wear and tear. A cable would be a good idea. The furniture actually has held up very well considering what it has been through.
tsugajunkie z5 SE WI ♱
2 years ago
Have you contacted any furniture refinishers for sources or suggestions?

tj
Andrea W
Original Author
2 years ago
Good idea. Maybe they will know something that I can't find online.
Matt Brady
2 years ago
Any luck on your search Andrea? Oddly enough I'm in the exact same situation with my exact same vintage Drexel dresser.
Brian Keating
last year
Sigh. I’m looking for the same hinges.
olychick
last year
A better pic (or 10) of a hinge OFF of the furniture piece would help people try to find replacements.
carolb_w_fl_coastal_9b
last year
If you can remove the hinges, might they be repairable...?
Elizabeth
last year
Have you tried Van Dyke's Restorers catalog?
HU-863745267
2 months ago
last modified: 2 months ago
I have the same dresser and the same hinge problem. I have looked and called (even to Drexel) and have not been able to find one. Did you find? tmw1968@yahoo.com An idea that I was given was to have someone with a 3 D printer make one. Unfortunately, I gave my only 1 to my SIL to find and the hinge has been lost.
HU-844323326
last month
Same problem can't find it either