Los Gatos Weekly-Times

Photograph by George Sakkestad

Ted Romero, owner of the House of Brass, is reflected in a brass-framed mirror in the shop, which recently moved to a new location across the street from its previous spot.

The House of Brass spreads out in new digs across street

By Bob Aldrich

In new and larger quarters at 35 N. Santa Cruz Ave., the House of Brass, formerly on the other side of the avenue, offers a nearly bewildering variety of mainly brass items and ornaments, ranging from front-door name plates to bathroom grab-rails and furniture.

Owner Ted Romero, who operated House of Brass at 108 N. Santa Cruz Ave. for four years, has opened his new store in part of a building that formerly housed Crown Books. Assisted by manager Rob Rudolph, Romero invites customers to name their wants and they will likely be found, even if the store doesn't have the item in stock.

"This is only a small portion of the things we can supply," says manager Rudolph. "We will do anything we need to satisfy the customer."

Still, there is enough on hand to keep a customer browsing for a while.

Doorknobs, candlesticks, mirrors, socket plates, antique-style door knockers, household name and address plates and numerous decorative objects for the home are among the things on display. Not all items are brass; some are copper, for instance. The store also takes furniture on consignment.

"If people have furniture to sell, leaving it with us means they don't have to worry about its safety at home, and it will be exposed to maybe 200 customers a week," Romero said. On consignment sales, the store takes 40 percent.

At one time an owner of clothing stores, Romero, a resident of Campbell, went to work for Touch of Brass, as the 108 N. Santa Cruz store was then called, after a layoff at Lockheed left him jobless. That store location existed for a total of 17 years, the last four years under his ownership.

Prices range from about $6 for small ornamental items to $800 or $900 for some furniture, with most prices nearer to the first figure. Some customers are furnishing new homes, while others may be renovating a room or improving on an older house. Some buyers are visitors from out of town.

House of Brass, 35 N. Santa Cruz Ave., is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Thursday and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. 354-4400.