Where Can I Find Sash Buttons

A great many Newburyport houses have windows that were installed before the “modern” invention of weights and pulleys and sash cords. A great many of them were fitted with sash buttons that fit into notches on the side of the lower window sash. You push the button in, raise the sash, and release the button and wait for it to release into a notch to hold your window open safely

The oldest of these sash buttons were hand forged. But eventually going to the local blacksmith to have window catches made became impractical.

A handy fellow by the name of Franklin Babcock  patented cast metal sash buttons.

The barrel of the catch is threaded to “screw” into a hole in the jamb. Over time, sometimes the barrel would turn slightly and then the button would get bent or break off. Hence the need for new sash buttons. 

Best resource is always architectural salvage places like Nor’East Architectual Antiques or Old House Parts in Kennebunk, ME. For new, check out SRS Hardware and their reproduction sash buttons. 

It may not be the sash button that is not working correctly – frequently the notch cut into the side of the sash is worn down by use. The best way to repair that is to remove the sash, piece in new wood and cut a fresh new notch.

Stay tuned as the Newburyport Preservation Trust offers up more helpful hints on where to find parts for old houses.