Gateway Object: Bail Handle (Cast Grip)

bail handle cast grip
Bail handle cast grip

Production

Nickel electroplating is a technique that involves depositing a thin layer of nickel onto a metal object. The nickel layer is primarily decorative. In this case was used to give a silvered effect. It also provided corrosion and wear resistance. This technique was carried out in the Newman Brothers’ Electroplating Shop.

History

This handle is a ‘cast grip’ handle, also known as a bail handle, which has characteristic U-shaped grips. This grip is often attached to a coffin by using two fixings at each end. Bail handles were the earliest style of mass-produced handle in England. This handle was paired with the ‘N618/35′ Newman Brothers’ backplate.

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