Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Antique oxide cord ends (Antique Oxide, code AO) are metal end caps with a matte, patinated finish in a dark brown, almost chocolate range. In the recesses of the relief the metal is darkest, and at the edges it becomes lighter, like an old metal detail worn for years. This finish gives the cord an authentic, “heritage” character and suits denim, leather jackets, boots, bags and rustic home textiles. At Polkom it is available for all 64 cord end styles.
What the antique oxide finish looks like
Antique Oxide is the darkest of the three matte antique finishes in the range. Antique Silver is in a grey range, Antique Brass in a warm olive-brass one, and antique oxide in brown-black. The surface does not shine, so the detail looks heavy and solid, even on the smaller styles.
The patina is most pronounced on shapes with relief and edges. On a smooth cylinder the effect is more even and calm. Since patination produces slight natural variation, for products where the exact tone matters, compare the sample with the other metal accessories before ordering.
Which products antique oxide suits
- Denim and workwear – jackets, dungarees and trousers where the metal accessories should look “worn” and genuine.
- Leather and suede jackets – waist and hood drawcords, matching dark zips and rivets.
- Boots and combat boots – metal aglets on laces that do not shine and do not look like plastic.
- Bags, backpacks and belts – leather and canvas products in a retro style.
- Military and heritage collections – khaki, olive and brown with dark, matte metal.
- Home textiles and furniture – linen cushions, throws, leather and textile elements in a rustic interior with dark wood.
For more accessory ideas for footwear and leather goods, see the footwear and leather category.
Cord colours that suit antique oxide
Dark brown metal is a natural partner for earth tones:
- cognac, brown, caramel and camel;
- khaki, olive and tobacco;
- indigo and dark denim;
- natural cotton, jute and ecru – for a soft contrast;
- black – when the product is in a dark range and needs a discreet detail.
Bright synthetic colours and pastels rarely suit antique oxide. If the collection is in cold grey tones, Gun Metal or Antique Silver is more suitable.
The combination of antique oxide with waxed or leather cords in brown is particularly strong: the metal and the cord look like one piece, and the patina emphasises the craft character of the product. On denim with contrast stitching in mustard or orange, the dark cord end balances the bright thread.
Styles that show the patina best
We have chosen shapes with rings, edges and volume, where the difference between the dark and light parts is most visible. The code leads to the style's card.
| Code (Antique Oxide) | Style | Ø / width × length | Opening | Why in antique oxide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NK-104-AO | Cone, tall | Ø 11.81 × 14.35 mm | ≈ Ø 8.7 mm | tall cone for leather jacket drawcords |
| NK-204-AO | Elongated cone | Ø 8.47 × 17 mm | ≈ Ø 4.2 mm | elongated cone – retro silhouette |
| NK-205-AO | Funnel cone | Ø 10.26 × 13.64 mm | ≈ Ø 4.1 mm | funnel cone for braided cords |
| NK-212-AO | Cone with relief rings | Ø 10.35 × 14.4 mm | ≈ Ø 3.6 mm | the relief rings hold the patina |
| NK-407-AO | Low cylinder | Ø 10 × 12.87 mm | ≈ Ø 7.5 mm | low cylinder for boots and backpacks |
| NK-404-AO | Semicircular with two holes | 10.97 × 7.55 mm | two holes | semicircular with two holes for double laces |
| NK-308-AO | Flat, bevelled | 29 × 9.24 mm | slot for tape | bevelled flat style for wide tapes |
| NK-706-AO | Sphere with large opening | Ø 10.71 × 8.45 mm | ≈ Ø 7 mm | sphere with a large opening for thick cords |
| NK-209-AO | Bell | Ø 9.72 × 10.35 mm | ≈ Ø 2.9 mm | bell with a classic look |
Flat styles for tapes and belts are collected in the flat cord ends group.
Durability and care
The matte patinated finish is practical: light scratches and rubbing at the edges blend into the patina and look natural. To keep the character of the detail:
- do not polish the cord ends – the patina will be removed unevenly;
- with leather products, be careful with cleaning and waterproofing products – apply them to the leather, not to the metal;
- for denim with enzyme or stone washing, test a sample cord end together with the fabric;
- avoid bleach and aggressive detergents when washing.
Size and attachment for leather and denim
Leather and denim products often use thicker cords and laces – braided cotton, waxed or leather. With these the opening must be chosen particularly carefully: waxed cord is stiffer and does not compress when crimped, and a leather lace can be cut by a sharp edge. For these materials, gluing or a style with a larger opening is usually safer. Flat leather strips require a flat cord end with a suitable slot width. Send us a piece of the cord or lace and we will recommend a style and attachment method.
How to order antique oxide cord ends
Choose a style from the metal cord end catalogue and add the code AO, for example NK-212-AO. The minimum quantity is 1000 pcs per style and colour. Send us the cord or its diameter – the openings in the tables are approximate and are confirmed with a sample. If you want a logo, the larger round, flat and geometric styles allow engraving or relief.
Polkom – accessories in dark aged metal
Polkom manufactures accessories for fashion, furniture, footwear and bags and has over 30 years of experience. To go with the antique oxide cord ends you can select cords, rivets and eyelets in a similar tone. Send an inquiry with a description of the product – we will suggest a style and send a sample.
