This is a major find: Many readers are hunting decorative vintage doorknob backplates, formally known as escutcheons. Now, it seems that Liz’s Antique Hardware has scored some major inventory, and is featuring it all on ebay. There are numerous styles, mostly from Schage and Kwik-set, it appears. These are not cheap, each at about $95. You may be able to “wait it out” to find one for less… but you may be waiting a good long time, and as they say, time is money. You might want to check with Liz’s to ensure that this will “fit” your door, as I am not sure whether these are considered “one size fits all.” A very exciting stash, to be sure. Disclosure: Anything that you buy — from these ebay carousels or otherwise – when you click into ebay via any link on my site nets me a teensy commission; thanks for your support.
Vintage doorknob escutcheons — a major find
Posted by: • November 30, 2009
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So sweet! Never seen one like that boomerang shape before. Wow!
Very Nice. For the price though, if it is a look you are really dying for, you might do better to visit a local welding, plating, or metal shop and have one made.
You know, J.D., I don’t have a problem with this pricing at all. Places like this never seem to be making a killing. It’s actually probably a crazy business to get into – something you do as much for love as for money.
This makes the NOS one I just sold to a fellow reader for $50 seem like a steal.
OMG!!!!!! I don’t have a problem with the prices either! I plan on replacing my front door (a new steel door that is soooo un-retro) and these would look terrific with my new door!
Thank you, Pam! I just purchased the first back plate (rectangle).
So I don’t feel “guilty”, LOL, that’s a Christmas present to myself!
Congratulations, SableMable!
I can’t find them!
Shane, click on the item right in the box within the post. Once the rotator stops – click on the green box that says “View and Bid”
These ebay boxes can be navigated. Hover your cursor over the box and see the prices, how much time is left, etc., and also how to control speed of slide show. Once you click on an item, it will pop up with more information. Green box, View and Bid, takes you to ebay.
Once you’ve “stopped” the slide show by opening an item, you need to refresh the page (or go back to Home Sweet Home) to get the slide show moving again.
Bottom line: Play with it to get to understand how it works.
I totally love details like this! Our escutcheons are still intact, otherwise I’d be on this in one hot minute. Crestview Doors appears to have some wise words about adapter kits: http://www.crestviewdoors.com/default.html?uiid=vintagehardware
Great find, Pam. If anyone looks at the prices of new sets they will see these aren’t really out of line. My front door has “Atomic Ranch” model. The house was modernized in the 50′s.The front all the interior panel doors were replaced with natural luan.
I agree with Bungalow Bill about the prices. Can I afford one of these at this time? No. But are they out of line for something really special? Not really if you price new door hardware. I think my favorite is the boomerang design, but they all have their own charm.
I didn’t intend to come off as snotty, my point was that we are involved in a hobby/passion that sometimes calls for us to be creative. $100.00 is a little much for my tastes for what a door escutcheon is- but the $30.00 I might spend to get a metal fabrication guy to make one is more palatable. Another plus is the potential to customize it to your own tastes and decor. It’s not an option for everyone, but it is an option.
Hey Joe! Thanks again for the starburst escutcheon you sold me! Now to figure out how to retrofit it or get a new door….
These are wonderful! Thanks for being such an amazing resource Pam.
Tikimama, see the link that Gretchen provides, above. And thank you for your comment. I have to admit, I was proud of this one!
J.D., not to belabor this discussion, but where I live I can’t imagine getting anything done for $30. If you have great contacts, though, go for it.
I just noticed it yesterday, but on the door leading from the garage to the kitchen, both sides have shiny brass back plates. If they would have been snakes they would have bitten me!
SPECTACULAR!!!!!
You know, I was at this hole in the wall antique store and saw a stack of large square brass escutcheons, about 10 or so. I didnt ask about them but I have been thinking about them all the time. And I know they are still there. And when I first saw em, I thought about everyone here on retrorenovation. I might very well see if i can afford them and then pass on the savings to you!