I’d like to replace the existing front and side fence (it’s semi-detached house) with a period-correct iron railing for a brownstone built in 1925. I’d like to maintain the waist-high height (is that about 3′-4′), but maybe have bigger posts. Where can I find any info about how these old iron railing/fencing looked like? Maybe someone should create a “Beautiful Architectural Fences of Brooklyn” book.


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  1. If your building is part of a row, or in a neighborhood with similar period buildings, you may find suitable fences on some of your neighbors’ houses.

  2. Take a look at Decorative Architectural Ironwork, by Diana Stuart, (Schiffer Publishing, Atglen PA, 2005). It’s a catalogue of photos of ironwork throughout NYC’s 5 boroughs.

  3. You could probably find a photo of the house from the NYC survey done in the 30s.
    Ricardo does replicas of any style – 718 499 1152. Price depends on intricacy.

  4. Have a look at King Architectural Metals. They make many railing components that are consistent with some of those used in Brooklyn from 1900 – 1920. Lawler Foundry also makes a large number. I used Lawler #9623 which was consistent with the 1939 Landmarks photo of my house in Carroll Gardens. Having a readily available railing panel will definitely make for a more economical job without sacrificing fidelity to period detail.
    I suggested King first because their distribution point is closer and shipping is a large component of the price on these materials.

  5. 1925? That is very late for a “brownstone”. Do you have a picture, address etc. that we could look at? Obviously the date/style have a big impact on what is “period-correct”