Lock finishes can be difficult to determine. Trying to explain what a finish looks like over the phone, or trying to identify a finish on one manufacturer's lock and trying to relate it to another brand can seem difficult to impossible. With some of the finishes, even taking a picture and trying to match it to a particular finish can be difficult. In addition to different brands, you also contend with finishes that are worn, or may not be available in the particular lock you are looking for. Below I have displayed various photos of locks and trim plates to help identify the most commonly found finishes. TAKE NOTE - these images will vary widely from monitor to monitor, and as can be seen in a couple of the images, the variance in one brands finish to another brand, or even one lot to another lot by the same manufacturer can be drastic, especially considering lighting conditions and wear. The finishes that seem to vary the least are the ones with the least amount of 'process' involved in manufacture, bright brass or stainless steel for example. Finishes that are antiqued, rubbed, and or coated seem to vary the most.To make matters more difficult, there are 2 different numbering systems involved, the BHMA - Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association, and the US code numbers. Manufacturers also may call a given number finish by different names.

   These images are provided as a reference only. Rely on them at your own risk. Special ordering an item with the wrong finish can be costly!

Bright Brass BHMA 505 US	Bright Brass, Clear Coated BHMA 605 US3
Satin Brass, Dull Brass BHMA 606 US4	Satin Brass Blackened, Clear Coated BHMA 609 US5
Bright Brass, Blackened BHMA 610 US7	Bright bronze BHMA 611 US9
Satin Bronze, Clear Coated, Dull Bronze BHMA 612 US10	Oil Rubbed Bronze BHMA 613 US10B
Antique Bronze BHMA 616 US11	Satin Nickel BHMA 619 US15
Bright chrome BHMA 625 US26	Satin Chromium Plated BHMA 626 US26D
Bright Stainless Steel BHMA 629 US32	Satin Stainless Steel BHMA 630 US320
Anodized Aluminum Dark Bronze BHMA 710 313AN	Anodized Aluminum Black BHMA 711 US19
Aged Bronze BHMA 716 US