Brass Menagerie

TOURISTS BEWARE OF THIS RIP OFF! If your'e shoping Magazine St.,walk right past the Brass Menagerie and stop next door in BUSH Antiques. You'll have a better experience. The store is run by Ed and Kathy Curtis, an elderly couple who have been NOLA business owners for a very long time. The stock in their antique store is impressive. I purchased a door knocker with no problem. I was looking to purchase a particular kind of hook which the store didn't have. But the owner Ed convinced me that he could fashion the hooks from some iron he had in the shop. I wanted to purchase a ready-made hook but he convinced me by saying "I've been in the business a long time--I know what I'm doing and you'll love what we make." I agreed to his idea and prepaid him $225 (to avoid paying taxes). LESSON 1: Only pre-pay by cc. Had I done that, this degenerate couldn't have ripped me off. I received (by mail) his so called custom work and the workmanship was completely unacceptable and the product was a complete failure. I called Ed immediately and he even admitted that the outcome was less than he originally expected. So I told Ed that I was sending the item back for a credit. I didn't want to ask for a financial return because Ed is elderly and I wanted the store to have the money, I just wanted something for the money I spent. Well Ed took back his merchandise but then latter informed me over the phone, that the job was a custom job and they don't accept returns. And did he send back the merchandise? NO, he kept it all and blew me off. I spoke to wife Cathy and she made a million promises and kept none of them. I told her that I was going to write this review which bothered her but obviously not enough to choose to resolve the matter (which I would have made very eary). I could have been a very good customer, maybe not the biggest buyer they ever saw in their careers but I could have been a loyal customer as I go to NOLA a few times a year. But when I get ripped off--I'M GOING TO TELL ALL EVERYONE about it. Thanks for reading, Julie

This shop has been selling first rate hardware for home decor for decades. Family owned and run, the proprietor has an amazing memory and knowledge of all lines of brass hardware despite his feeble years. There is a reason they have been hired to complete homes throughout the states in vintage hardware. Also very friendly and interesting. I recommend them for their product and also the experience.

This store is a diamond in the ruff. They have everything that you need for hardware. From finding hardware for a 19 century farm house to a greek revial home. I purchased some very unique brass and porcelain knobs ,hooks and back plates which are not easy to find at very good prices. Very helpful and knowledgeable when it comes to styles of homes and knowledgeable on door mechanism. Highly recommend when you stop in on your next trip to nola. This is not home depot!

very nice old couple, but they don't take of business. ordered knobs on 6/4/11 and today is 07/15/11 and i still don't have my knobs. they make one excuse after another. i won't shop there again.