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The Tip is 'Ask Before You Buy' I went to a department store for a pair of dress shoes recently. The clerk helped me with three different pairs that I tried on. 'The Big Secret' was on the forefront of my mind so I asked, "Are these shoes imports?" The salesman responded that they were in fact imported. "Do you have any Made In America shoes like these?" I asked. To my surprise he said, "We have a whole line of Made In USA shoes." I was able to purchase the same color and style with the Made In USA label. These Made in America shoes were less expensive, came with a better warranty and were more comfortable. It's amazing how often this simple Made in US question yields unexpected and often times pleasant results. I now ask this question regularly, whereas before I would not have thought to ask for a Made in America alternative. More often than not, I can find a Made in America product of higher quality and at the same, or slightly higher price. Asking the question is so simple and can make a positive impact, in both the short and long term. Try it sometime. If you are like me, you may be surprised with how many Made in US products are out there. You will love it when you realize you are making a difference that benefits many. With your help America will be ours again and that is a good thing. Buying Tip Continued - Read more on Made in America Products by Brandywine Forge Located in historic Chester County, PA., we're blacksmiths with decades of experience reproducing period shutter hardware in the manner of the originals. Over the years, we've learned what style of shutter hardware is appropriate for the different historic periods and regions of the country. Our fabrication capacity and experience allow us to offer the most extensive line of quality American shutter hardware at a surprisingly affordable price. Hardware inspired by the best original examples from period American homes. All of our shutter hardware is built to stand the test of time?.. we've seen what works, and we've see what failed. Our exterior shutter strap hinges and pintles are fitted and sized to your specific installation. Brandywine hardware is correct in appearance and function - designed and configured to install easily. Should you require custom hardware for an historic restoration, a difficult installation, or be shopping for something visually unique for an up-scale project, we're able and happy to help you with custom hardware design, selection and fabrication. Brandywine hardware represents good value. You pay for our craftsmen's time and materials, not middleman profits. We start with heavy material and finish with the most durable finishes we've found. Easy installation and minimal maintenance We really are blacksmiths, guys with big arms. Our work is hand forged red hot at the anvil as smiths have done for centuries. But this is the 21st century, so we must define our mission: Brandywine Forge Mission Statement-An honest product at a fair wage. functional shutters Functional wood shutters and hardware were expensive but necessary exterior appointments on the widows of historic homes. Initially, ground floor shutters provided security against attack by Indians and roaming brigands. Outdoor shutters also served as a first barrier against winter winds and summer sun ? important considerations when a wood fire was the only available interior climate control. As our colonial cities grew homes became more densely packed with pedestrian traffic at the door stoop, exterior shutters were closed and locked to provide privacy from passersby and neighbors. shutter example shutter example Classic American architectural styles were heavily influenced by the exterior shutters common to all. The size and location of the windows was in large part determined by the exterior wooden shutters that would cover the windows. Sufficient room had to be left between adjacent windows to allow for their shutters to rest against the exterior when open - without over-lapping each other. The relationship between window size and separation and the fabric of the shutters between contributed much to the balance and symmetry inherent in classic American homes. |
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