Our History
The history of the Compleat Baldwin Brass Center starts with the rich heritage of Baldwin Hardware Corporation. Baldwin was born in America, and in the spirit of its birthplace, strives constantly to achieve a rich combination of "Timeless Craftsmanship and good taste. From the beginning, the skilled use of forging gave the Baldwin brand competitive edge and went on to become the industry standard. For more than 75 years, Baldwin has successfully aimed at setting new standards of excellence in its products for the home and workplace.
As the company approached its half-century mark, the quest to combine quality and innovation continued, and in the early 1990, Baldwin became the first in its industry to offer homeowners the company patented Lifetime Finish protective coating for its products. True to its tradition of setting industry standards, Baldwin developed this proprietary finishing technique in order to guarantee that its unique exterior finishes will, for the life of the product, remain free of pitting, erosion and the toils that weather can take on less meticulously finished products.
More than just a name, Baldwin identifies a birthright to claim that time-tested skills forge the surest path to design solutions. Those who aspire to make the home more than mere shelter and the office more than work space, face design challenges that are daunting. The Baldwin name is assurance that performance and elegance, as well as lasting value and contemporary style, can be found with the same fine family of products.
In the early 1960 Baldwin entered the home decor business, creating lamps and candlesticks that cast a new light on the creative possibilities of fine brass. Several years later, Baldwin engineered the mortise lock that has gone on to be the "statement lock of choice" for homes and businesses that put elegance and quality first. Baldwin grew from a company name to a world class brand, creating brass hardware that perfectly blend function and beauty.
Baldwin continued to be the industry leader and innovator. The next logical step was to expand the range of product delivery to discriminating clientele by the opening of a retail store, The Compleat Baldwin Brass Center, featuring the full line of Baldwin hardware and decorative items. In 1991, the store was purchased by a Baldwin employee and for the last 30+ years continues to be run as a family enterprise with an emphasis placed on product knowledge and customer orientation. Not only did the Compleat Baldwin Brass Center display, sell and inventory the complete product line of Baldwin products, but exemplified the height of personal customer service.
Baldwin's history of quality and innovation began more than 75 years ago in Reading, PA. We are very proud to continue the traditions and standards of excellence in Baldwin's flagship showroom that has been family owned and operated since 1991.
