Offered is a large variety of quality antique hardware. You will find many unusual hard to find styles, specializing in rare figural patterns. All items are original and available, most antique hardware was made of cast bronze and date from c.1860 to 1910. At this time there are still many different hardware patterns available. Also offered are antique door knob sets. Most are very ornate and in fine condition, ready for another 100 years of use.

When collecting, I tried to purchase items in the best condition, with the least amount of wear, that either caught my eye or that I thought looked unusual. There are many times when I splurged! So, I also have for sale some rare antique hardware that seldom becomes available. Once these pieces are sold, another may not surface again.

Some items have become very difficult to find. Buy the original antique hardware, which, from age, has developed beautiful multi shades of patina and was made with unsurpassed detail, as opposed to reproduction hardware, which is mostly shiny brass copies that, due to poor castings, have lost all of  the original sharp details. The original items will bring you years of beauty and a reminder of our remarkable craftsmanship when quality surpassed quantity.

A little history on antique hardware...

In the 1870's it was discovered that by using a new method in the construction of architectural hardware, called "compression", companies were able to produce extremely high quality items with incomparable detail. Combine this with outstanding designers of the times, and you'll find that this late Victorian - turn of the century period produced some of the finest doorknobs and door trimmings ever made.

It was common for a hardware company to design and make logos and symbols for an individual or place of business. The US government and individual state governments had many hardware items custom made for their major buildings. For example, the symbol for the "Scales of Justice" was incorporated into the doorknobs and plates that were designed for the Treasury Department.

Many Fraternal organizations had their own custom made designs. Much of the time, only the members of the organizations would know what these figural symbols meant, due to their well kept secrets. There was even competition between the different Fraternal organizations to have the better hardware.

Figural designs are highly sought after by collectors, historians, and those restoring buildings. Some are very rare. Prices reflect the rarity and condition of the item. A few examples include heads of soldiers, past Presidents, State and County seals, prominent men and women, schools, and a variety of animals, including some amazing mythological creatures.

Listed are the top dozen major companies that produced this fabulous antique hardware, which includes door knobs, door bells, hinges, escutcheons, door plates, hooks, brackets, and pulls… and many other items.

If you see an item that interests you, email me.
I'm always glad to send additional photos.