Antique brass cord ends (Antique Brass, code AB) are metal end caps with a matte, patinated finish in a warm olive-gold tone reminiscent of aged brass. They are the classic choice for denim, workwear, leather bags, boots and heritage collections, as well as for home textiles in a warm palette. At Polkom the finish is available for all 64 cord end styles – an example article code is NK-506-AB.
What antique brass cord ends look like
Antique Brass combines the warmth of gold with the depth of a patina. The surface is matte, darker in the relief and lighter and slightly golden at the edges. This makes the detail look as though it has been worn for a long time but well cared for. The tone is more muted and “earthier” than glossy Gold and warmer than Antique Oxide.
This finish is perceived as authentic, because brass metal accessories have long been part of denim and workwear. The colour in photos is approximate; with antique finishes slight variation between shapes is normal, so we send a sample before ordering.
Where antique brass looks best
- Denim – jackets, trousers, skirts and dungarees with a drawcord, matching copper or brass rivets and jeans buttons.
- Workwear and heritage clothing – hunting jackets, waistcoats, overshirts, where the metal accessories carry the history of the brand.
- Leather and canvas bags – drawcords of totes and backpacks, matching the bag buckles.
- Boots and leather shoes – the warm matte tone looks natural next to brown and cognac leather.
- Home textiles and furniture – curtain ties, decorative cushions, throws and upholstered furniture with brass details.
- Boho and ethnic fashion – tunics, knitted cardigans, ponchos and fringed accessories.
Which cords pair with antique brass
Warm aged gold needs natural and saturated colours:
- indigo, denim blue and navy – the classic “jeans” combination;
- mustard, tobacco, cognac and brown;
- olive, khaki and bottle green;
- ecru, natural cotton and linen;
- burgundy and dark red – for autumn collections.
Cold greys, neons and pure white cords usually do not match – next to them antique brass looks dirty. For those, choose Silver or Black Oxide.
If the collection already uses brass rivets or jeans buttons, bring or send a specimen. Brass accessories differ in their degree of ageing – from slightly darkened to almost brown – and a comparison with a cord end sample will show whether the tones match. If needed, antique brass can be combined with antique oxide for a darker, contrasting effect.
Suitable styles in Antique Brass
The patina shows best on relief and volume. Our selection includes classic shapes for denim and more decorative styles for interiors. Click the code to see the dimensions and the profile.
| Code (Antique Brass) | Style | Ø / width × length | Opening | Why in antique brass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NK-203-AB | Barrel | Ø 8.74 × 14.91 mm | ≈ Ø 4.8 mm | barrel – classic workwear look |
| NK-206-AB | Cone “crown” | Ø 9.88 × 14.8 mm | ≈ Ø 4 mm | “crown” cone with pronounced relief |
| NK-209-AB | Bell | Ø 9.72 × 10.35 mm | ≈ Ø 2.9 mm | bell for curtains and cushions |
| NK-210-AB | Bell, low | Ø 9.18 × 9 mm | ≈ Ø 3.2 mm | low bell for bags |
| NK-506-AB | Truncated pyramid | 8.88 × 10.97 mm | ≈ Ø 5.8 mm | truncated pyramid – catalogue example |
| NK-703-AB | Sphere with relief pattern | Ø 9.65 × 7.43 mm | ≈ Ø 5.3 mm | sphere with relief pattern |
| NK-707-AB | Sphere, wide | Ø 12.04 × 7.97 mm | ≈ Ø 7.2 mm | wide sphere for thick cords |
| NK-301-AB | Flat, square | 9.17 × 9.24 mm | slot for tape | small square flat style for tapes |
| NK-604-AB | Tube, thin, short | Ø 6 × 13.71 mm | ≈ Ø 4.5 mm | thin short tube for laces |
You will find more round shapes with character in the shaped round cord ends group.
Antique brass in interiors
Besides clothing, antique brass is increasingly finding its place in home textiles and furniture. The curtain cord, the cushion cover tie or the tassel of a decorative cushion are small details, but when the cord end repeats the tone of the handles, lamps or furniture legs, the interior looks finished. For these products the more voluminous and decorative shapes are suitable – bells, spheres and crowns. Since home textiles are washed less often, the durability of the finish is rarely a problem here, but testing with a sample remains good practice.
Care and durability
The matte patinated finish withstands wear well – rubbing at the edges only enhances the aged-metal effect. To preserve its character:
- do not clean with polishing paste or an abrasive sponge;
- avoid bleach and strongly alkaline detergents when washing;
- for denim with a subsequent wash process, test the cord end together with the fabric;
- for home textiles, recommend washing inside out or in a cover.
How to order antique brass cord ends
- Choose a style from the cord end catalogue and add the code AB – for example NK-506-AB.
- Send us the cord or its diameter; the openings in the tables are approximate and are confirmed with a sample.
- State the quantity – minimum 1000 pcs per style and colour.
- For a logo, send a vector file – flat, geometric and larger round styles are suitable.
Polkom – metal accessories in antique brass
Polkom manufactures accessories for fashion, furniture, footwear and bags and has over 30 years of experience with brands and sewing factories. To go with the cord ends you can select cords, buckles and rivets in the same warm tone, and we make logo versions to order. Send an inquiry and you will receive a sample.














