Antique Doorknobs: Identification and Value Guide

Indoor security remains one of the most important subjects of modern-day living. But only a simple doorknob held the established entering point to any space. Reusable options in modern settings are now allowing antique doorknobs to attract passionate collectors.

But its identification needs extreme care to avoid duplicate, reproduction, or simply invalid designs. The American innovation should occupy your knowledge with comprehensive in-depth details. And you’re to check the vital points to make a successful investment.

Antique Doorknobs Identification and Value Guide

Checking Essential Antiquity Points

Metal doorknobs are available in a limitless number of designs, options & types. However, you’re sure to encounter reproductions or replica on purchase. And the identification process should start with the following in-depth facts.Let’s learn about the earliest types of door handles and locks

1. Specific Doorknob Shape

Of course, the doorknob literally reminds everyone of a rounded handle to fit the palm. But early knobs featured an extra-long metal-rod attachment. And the dimension counts somewhat smaller than current designs. Only the USA granted about 100 doorknob patents in 1830 – 1873.

2. Knob Materials Timeline

Doorknob incorporation for any structure primarily started in the 19th century. And a wide variation in the design was available for a good time. Experts to work on doorknobs denoted four particular periods to explain the timeline.

  • Early 19th Century – Simple design performed its fundamental functions.
  • Victorian Period – Good decoration receives priority for exterior surfaces.

    VintageAntique Beautiful Ornate Brass Door Knob !!! Victorian GORGEOUS HEAVY
    Souce: eaby.com VintageAntique Beautiful Ornate Brass Door Knob !!! Victorian GORGEOUS HEAVY
  • Edwardian Period – More refinement but less décor defined the period.
  • World War I – Glass designs get popularity due to strict metal rationing.

    Antique Victorian Glass Door Knobs Mortise Lock Set Knobs
    Souce: eaby.com Antique Victorian Glass Door Knobs Mortise Lock Set Knobs

3. Commercial vs Residential

Commercial knobs often featured engravings to enable a deliberate identification. Service providers preferred the knob to carry initials, marks, logos & other clues.

Meanwhile, standard residential knobs had a minimal design for everyday use. But luxurious, wealthy & stylish families settled for expensively decorative doorknobs.

4. Existing Doorknob Materials

Pressed glass knobs remained popular from the 1820s up to the 1850s. However, cut glass managed to take place in the 1860s to continue till the 1910s. The period also observed wooden knobs in practice.

Again, imported chinaware started to adorn doorknobs from the 1850s. Cast metal immediately replaced everything else since its mid-14th century introduction. Detailed Victorian casting took place in 1870.

Image by Anna Armbrust from Pixabay
Image by Anna Armbrust from Pixabay

How to Identify Doorknob Replica

Still, you’re to differentiate replicates from originals to avoid a mistaken purchase. Considering antiques only, you must know the exclusive points to define the originals. And the experts enlisted important clues on the subject.

  1. The surrounding edge will retain a uniform edge without bends. Repeated use should distort the edges over forced rotation. It’ll leave a visible gap between the knob plate with its door surface.
  2. And the bulging portion must appear loose enough to get your attention. Your palm will feel the difference with every touch. Replicated doorknobs will initiate a steady fit without surface loosening.
  3. Likewise, the joining section should contain signs of eventual deterioration. Meanwhile, you’re to inspect the material quality. Antiques will definitely show some rusts, corrosion, or cracks on top.
  4. Don’t forget a matching appearance to prevail the antiquity. Its identification also concerns the outlook for authenticity. Random scratches, distorted painting, imperfect background should suffice.

American Category of Doorknobs

The Americans are indeed the first ones to introduce knobs to the doors. And the history counts pretty impressive. Antique Doorknob Collectors of America is one established resource to cover many aspects. And you must check its well-defined doorknob category to know additional points.

Representative Knobs (Russell & Erwin)
Representative Knobs (Russell & Erwin)
Field or Diaper Knobs (Hopkins & Dickinson)
Field or Diaper Knobs (Hopkins & Dickinson)
Spirals & Swirls Knobs (P.E. Guerin)
Spirals & Swirls Knobs (P.E. Guerin)
Asymmetric Knobs (Sargent)
Asymmetric Knobs (Sargent)
Twofold Symmetry Knobs (P. & F. Corbin)
Twofold Symmetry Knobs (P. & F. Corbin)
Threefold Symmetry Knobs (Chicago Hardware)
Threefold Symmetry Knobs (Chicago Hardware)
Fourfold Symmetry Knobs (J.B. Schroder)
Fourfold Symmetry Knobs (J.B. Schroder)
Fivefold Symmetry Knobs (Penn Hardware)
Fivefold Symmetry Knobs (Penn Hardware)
Sixfold Symmetry Knobs (Parker & Whipple)
Sixfold Symmetry Knobs (Parker & Whipple)
Eightfold Symmetry Knobs (Mallory Wheeler)
Eightfold Symmetry Knobs (Mallory Wheeler)
Radial Patten Knobs (Enoch Robinson)
Radial Patten Knobs (Enoch Robinson)
Concentric Pattern Knobs (A.G. Newman)
Concentric Pattern Knobs (A.G. Newman)
Oval Doorknobs (P. & F. Corbin)
Oval Doorknobs (P. & F. Corbin)
Wooden Knobs (Ornamental Wood Company)
Wooden Knobs (Ornamental Wood Company)
Composite Knobs (Dibble Manufacturing)
Composite Knobs (Dibble Manufacturing)
Odd-Shaped Knobs (Yield & Towne)
Odd-Shaped Knobs (Yield & Towne)

Still, you should check into the variations from different manufacturers. You can take seals, symbols, logos, letters (single/multiple), numbers, institutions, fraternal & services into account. Not to mention, the intended designs served special purposes only.

As it seems, there are many other types available from many classic companies. You better check the site to know elaborate details ahead of matching the specs.

Image by Mikes-Photography from Pixabay
Image by Mikes-Photography from Pixabay

Repurposing Antique Doorknobs

There are many antique pieces to hold your attention. But passionate collectors often find themselves at a loss regarding the use. And it’s sure to happen with your chosen doorknob. Antique knobs merely suit modern-day door designs. Repurposing the piece should suffice your purchase.

1. Use shiny doorknobs to replace wooden or brass knobs on furniture.

2. Mount the doorknobs directly on wall surfaces to create gallery art.

Hanging-Frames-from-Knobs-Title
Souce : lemonslavenderandlaundry.com Hanging-Frames-from-Knobs-Title

3. Settle the curtain holding tieback with classic knobs instead of hooks.

Use a Vintage Doorknob As a Curtain Tieback
Souce : hgtv.coml Use a Vintage Doorknob As a Curtain Tieback

4. Personalize the ceiling fan cord with one perfectly upcycled doorknob.

door-knob-fan-pull

5. Install the doorknob on walls to utilize opening for free-hanging trees.

6. Hang the knob right on a suitable spot in bathroom to hold your towel.

Hang the knob right on a suitable spot in bathroom to hold your towel.
Souce:Natalie Jeffcott

7. Skip the standard curtain rod-end with definite antique modifications.

8. Place precious jewelry for convenient display/storage using its handle.

9. Set the antique pieces in available closets to improvise storage facility.

10. Induce some artificial yet elegant touch of impression for your garden.

11. Hold beautiful memories from the past using a steady doorknob base.

12. Promote the overall appeal of gifts through vintage, small-sized knobs.

13. Attach simple knob structures to hold breakfast or tea tray for serving.

You can think of many other supportive applications with classic doorknobs. Know your requirements to check the possible viability.

Replacing Modern Doorknobs with Antiques

Likewise, it’s entirely possible to replace a door’s existing knob with an antique design. But you shouldn’t make the installation on your main door. Repeated use with minimal care will eventually damage the overall antiquity.

You should get started with removing the modern-day hardware from the door. Attach some hardware matching details to hold the knob. The intended list includes – tube latch, faceplate, strike plate & plastic spacer.

Take sufficient measurements to ensure maximum precision of alignment. Install the doorknob in the introduced slot using necessary materials. However, consult an expert to determine the specs to meet the door requirements.

You may check into online resources to install antique doorknobs. But not every antique comes ready to fit into the modern-day door design. Also, you’re to consider the existing door quality to eliminate potential damage.

Antique Doorknob Valuation

Whether you want to purchase/sell antiques, good knowledge of valuation is a must. But an exact determination of the doorknob value requires careful examination. The following tricks can surely help you to evaluate the approximate market demand.

  • Genuine antique doorknobs can feature a surprisingly expensive tag. Many historic buildings require explicit knob designs to hold the actual décor. However, not every piece will cost a significant amount.
  • Knowing the value remains extremely important for every client. You can’t even place a subtle bid or bargain without the knowledge. And scams/frauds may find their way to deceive you with comfort.
  • The valuation should start with taking notes of your authentic antiques. Observe every point to find any particular specs for justification. Again, take pictures from every angle to know the color effects.
  • Direct appraisal service should relieve you from an uncertain valuation. Sending the pictures with their details can get you viable results. Currently, several online appraisals are available for consideration.
  • The price can start from a mere $10 to reach as much as $200. Likewise, many interdependent facts directly contribute to the valuation. You must focus on its style, materials, period, and manufacturer.
  • But many collectors prefer Victorian doorknobs to other options. Particular difference in decoration makes the intended design costly. Despite the historic knobs’ abundance, it may cost you a fortune.
  • Good availability enables a satisfying number of options for purchase. And you can manage top-notch designs in local antique shops. Nonetheless, online platforms should suffice your quest on the doorknob.

Look into the well-recognized platforms to explore available items. Checking the available options should give you fundamental ideas. Of course, try to determine the tags from local antique dealers.

You can start with sites like Amazon, Etsy, eBay, House of Antique Hardware, or Olde Good Things. Again, keep yourself updated with the recent searches, sales, newcomers & additional resources.

Closely inspect the variations in price tag on different media. In fact, almost every antique features distinctive prices on multiple platforms. Don’t miss live online auctions to sharpen your knowledge.

Final Words

Likewise, there seem too many things to consider with a doorknob’s authenticity. Keeping yourself attached to online forums can find the answers to many questions. Therefore, the initial investment requires your time instead of your wallet.

Spending your precious investment in worthy furniture pieces isn’t exactly easy anymore. You must hold comprehensive knowledge with expert guidelines for the job. Matching every essential point with the intended option can save trouble.

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