Our Story

Our Story

Founded in 1987, Ashley Norton emerged from a singular challenge: improving the installation experience of the industry’s leading hardware. Inspired by modern European engineering, we crafted premium hardware for luxury residences pieces that marry timeless design, exceptional comfort, and seamless installation. For more than three decades, Ashley Norton has been synonymous with exceptional architectural hardware- where timeless design meets unparalleled craftsmanship. Each piece is meticulously created in Solid Bronze or Solid Brass, offering clients a palette of refined finishes that elevate interiors with subtle luxury.

Our Sold Bronze Hardware, sand-cast from art-grade bronze and finished with hand-applied patinas, carries a depth of character and an artisanal quality that only improves with age. Our Solid Brass designs, hot forged for crisp definition, reveal a level of precision and finish that speaks to modern sophistication.

The Manzoni Collection captures the essence of elegance and artistry, designed not only to make a striking visual statement but also to deliver a tactile experience of true refinement.

The proven durability of our products, combined with their distinctive elegance and exceptional value, led to their selection for the Bellagio in Las Vegas. Today, our hardware continues to be specified by leading design professionals for luxury residential and hospitality projects, including Wynn Las Vegas and Half Moon Resort in Jamaica.

With a breadth of styles spanning contemporary to classic, Ashley Norton invites you to explore a collection that transcends trend, offering hardware that enriches the architectural narrative of the world’s most discerning interiors.

Through Ashly Norton, hardware becomes more than a finishing touch- it becomes an integral element of luxury design.

Ashley Norton Advantage

Ashley Norton Advantage

Established in 1987, Ashley Norton has evolved into a distinguished leader in the design and manufacture of architectural hardware. Our portfolio reflects a dedication to craftsmanship and innovation, offering an extensive range of designs, finishes, and styles curated for the most discerning clientele.

With expertise in both solid brass and solid bronze, our collections represent one of the most comprehensive offerings in the luxury architectural hardware market.

Ashley Norton Advantage

Our commitment to excellence extends beyond design to the technical precision of every detail:

  • Solid bronze components cast from the finest art-grade alloys, creating a rich, naturally flowing texture
  • Solid brass elements precision hot-forged to achieve crisp lines and an exceptional level of finish
  • European-engineered, spring-assisted levers designed to maintain alignment and eliminate sag over time
  • European-made 28° short-throw latch ensuring smooth, effortless operation
  • ANSI Grade 1 certified, U.S.-made entry mortise locks exceeding 5 million cycles for enduring performance
  • Stainless steel components thoughtfully integrated to enhance durability and resistance to corrosion

Green Statement

Green Statement

At Ashley Norton, environmental responsibility is an integral part of our craft. We are committed to thoughtful manufacturing practices that reduce waste and promote sustainability across both our production facilities and offices.

  • Solid bronze products composed of up to 90% recycled bronze
  • Brass and bronze materials reclaimed and reused throughout production
  • Non-destructive casting methods allowing molds to be reused repeatedly
  • Packaging produced from recycled materials, eliminating the use of Styrofoam
  • Printed materials sourced from FSC-certified paper

Our Process - Solid Brass Collection

Brass

Celebrated for its durability and refined tactile presence, brass is a material of enduring appeal in both residential and commercial environments. At Ashley Norton, our brass is distinguished by its versatility, offering a broad spectrum of finishes from satin nickel and dark oil-rubbed to polished chrome, polished nickel, satin and polished brass, satin chrome, unlacquered brass, and matte black each bringing a distinct expression to the design.

Naturally resistant to corrosion and engineered for longevity, brass delivers both performance and timeless elegance.

The Process

From concept to completion, the production of Ashley Norton brass hardware reflects a careful balance of advanced engineering and skilled craftsmanship. Each stage is executed with precision to ensure exceptional quality and consistency.

Cutting to Size - Solid brass billets are cut to precise dimensions and heated in a furnace to achieve optimal malleability, preparing the material for forging.

Hot Forging - The heated brass is formed using precision-engineered tooling, where each mold defines the final shape of the component. Under pressure, the material takes form with crisp detail, while any excess is cleanly removed and reclaimed for future use.

Refinement & Surface Preparation - Once formed, each piece is carefully trimmed and refined. Surfaces are then polished to reveal the natural brilliance of the brass, creating the ideal foundation for finishing.

Machining & Detailing - Components are machined to exacting tolerances. Backplates are prepared for installation hardware, while levers and knobs receive detailed finishing to ensure precise fit and function.

Finishing - A range of specialized finishing processes including plating, lacquering, and powder coating are applied depending on the desired aesthetic. Each finish is carefully controlled to achieve depth, consistency, and lasting beauty.

Our Process - Solid Bronze Collection

Bronze

Celebrated for its distinctive character and enduring strength, bronze brings a rich, organic presence to both residential and commercial applications from door hardware to architectural accents. Its natural variation and depth of texture make each piece inherently unique.

Ashley Norton has been crafting fine bronze hardware using traditional sand-casting techniques since the early 1950s. Today, our third-generation artisans continue this legacy, producing pieces of exceptional quality and beauty. Designed to age gracefully and stand the test of time, Ashley Norton bronze represents a timeless choice for refined interiors.

The Process

Rooted in a tradition spanning over 3,000 years, sand casting remains one of the most respected and artisanal methods of metalworking. At Ashley Norton, this time-honored process is carefully preserved, resulting in hardware defined by individuality, depth, and character-no two pieces are exactly alike.

Design & Mold Creation

Each piece begins as an original design, carefully developed and translated into a custom sand mold. This foundational step requires both precision and craftsmanship, setting the stage for the entire process.

Casting

Molten bronze is poured by hand into the prepared mold and allowed to cool gradually. Once solidified, the mold is opened to reveal the formed piece, capturing the subtle textures and nuances unique to sand casting.

Finishing

Following casting, each piece undergoes a carefully controlled finishing process. Through oxidation, a range of tones from light to dark bronze are achieved, with the depth of color determined by time and technique. A matte black finish is also available, applied through a refined powder coating process.

Refinement & Inspection

Each component is meticulously refined and inspected to meet our exacting standards. Any excess material is reclaimed and recycled, ensuring minimal waste throughout production.

Final Preparation

Completed pieces are thoroughly cleaned, hand-finished, and prepared for installation. The result is a collection of bronze hardware distinguished by depth, character, and an unmistakable sense of craftsmanship.

Finishes

Bronze
Dark Bronze (BZ)

Dark Bronze (BZ)
(Living finish)

Matt Black (TC)

Matt Black (TC)

White Bronze (WL)

White Bronze (WL)
(Living finish)

White Medium Bronze (WM)

White Medium Bronze (WM)
(Living finish)

Natural Bronze (NB)

Natural Bronze (NB)
(Living Finish)

Brass
Satin Nickel (#4)

Satin Nickel
(#4)

Dark Oil Rubbed (#8)

Dark Oil Rubbed (#8)
(Living finish)

Polished Chrome (#9)

Polished Chrome (#9)

Polished Nickel (#4B)

Polished Nickel (#4B)
(Living finish)

Satin Brass (#3S)

Satin Brass
(#3S)

Polished Brass (#3)

Polished Brass (#3)

Unlacquered Brass (#3U)

Unlacquered Brass (#3U)
(Living finish)

Burnished Brass

Burnished Brass

Flat Black

Flat Black

Finishes

Our curated palette of finishes is designed to complement the most refined interiors, offering both versatility and depth of expression.

Through a carefully controlled, multi-step process, each finish is crafted for durability and longevity. Select finishes including Dark Oil Rubbed, Polished Nickel, Unlacquered Brass, Dark Bronze, White Bronze, and White Medium are designed to evolve over time, developing a distinctive patina shaped by touch and environment.

The result is a finish that grows richer with age, enhancing the individuality of every piece.