Antique door knobs are a functional, stylish accent to almost any decor. Many antique glass door knobs are absolutely stunning and will definitely become the talking point in your home. In fact, the fun part is the story behind the piece – often Antique door knobs come from mansions, and can have fantastic, compelling back stories.
Believe it or not, there was a time when people couldn't wait to trade in their ornate, art-deco-inspired antiques for sleek jewelry made of nickel and copper. If only they knew what we do now! Antique brass door knobs are extremely popular today and reproductions are abundantly available in home improvement centers throughout the United Kingdom.
The earliest known door handles are over 5,000 years old and vary widely in their form, design, and material. Throughout history, the materials used to make door hardware have been as diverse as their designs. Copper, brass, silver and even wood have been used with varying degrees of popularity. The early market was dominated by plain round and egg-shaped knobs – it was not until the late 19th century that design began to play a role, and decorative knobs began to be seen.
Door handles were usually made from cast bronze, usually in a 2 or 3 piece design. Often metal smiths imprint intricate unique designs on the surface of the metal, making them collector's items today. Steel locks and rust-proof finishes were also introduced during this time period.
Eventually wooden door handles were quite common, but they were soon replaced by knobs made of ceramic materials. Kiln-fired potter's clay was also a popular material used during this time. These knobs have a unique feel and weight, Today they are considered collector's items.
Glass door handles were considered a luxury, her beauty and aristocratic feel made her extremely popular in the early 20th century. There were several common design trends, from hexagonal to flowery. Various colors were added to the designs, including deep green, soft pink and sapphire. Manganese was added to the manufacturing process, which created a shine never before possible. These manganese door handles are extremely rare today, and quite valuable.
Today, people are rediscovering the charm and timeless beauty of old homes. Often owners of older homes will want to install antique door hardware in their doors and find that the new doors are not compatible with the old knob sets. Solution? Look for design-appropriate back plates, also known as roses. There are sizes and designs for almost any antique door handle dilemma.
While genuine antiques can be quite expensive, people with a persistent bargain hunter can often find the perfect antique crystal door knob for their home in antique shops and flea markets. However, the best selection and most competitive pricing for antique door knobs are found online.