Steinmetz, Joseph Janney, 1905-1985. Portrait of Sarasota architect Ruth Richmond. 19–. Black & white photoprint, 10 x 8 in. State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory. , accessed 7 December 2015.
The journey of discovery continues: In the apartment he decorated for a client, Ben Sander used sparkly vintage Weiser acrylic doorknobs throughout. With just a wee bit of searching, I found they were designed by Ruth Richmond — a interior designer and general contractor whose company Richmond Homes built more than 12,000 homes in Sarasota and environs from the 1950s through the 1970s.
Above: Ruth Richmond-designed doorknobs, featured often in the homes she designed and decorated and apparently marketed by Weiser.
Another story about an impressive midcentury designing woman — and about a product that we must. start. hoarding. collecting. now.
The inside knob rotates and recesses to lock the outer knob. You’ll notice that the outer knob has a small hole drilled in the center of it. That’s how you unlock it in an emergency.
When we were planning the doorknob switch, I considered these knobs from Rejuvenation. They have the same feel, just without the golden nugget.
Where to find vintage Ruth Richmond for Weiser door knobs — both are ebay affiliate links:
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lynda says
We found 4 of these knobs in daughter and son-in-law’s house in Maryland. How they got there, I don’t know. House was built in 40’s, added on to in the 50’s, and remodeled in the 70’s. At first we were going to replace them, and I decided they were really interesting, even though they were tarnished and covered with years of paint. I soaked them in baking soda and dawn liquid and the paint peeled off. A little brass cleaner perked up the brass parts. There are also glass door knobs in the house that needed cleaning too. Now, we all love the eclectic look of the door knobs in the house. I had looked up the history and the price of the knobs on Ebay, but still was not tempted to replace them. They are part of the history of the house. Doors are those old solid wood paneled doors that we restored too. I think I sent you info about these knobs a few years back.
Onawa says
So jealous my 1940s house in Maryland didn’t come with these!
Dan says
Proof again that there was an earlier generation unafraid of a touch of glitz and glamour in the home.
Another tip for cleaning paint off old metal hardware – simply soak in household vinegar overnight.
Ali says
Those knobs are way cool, and in the right house they would be so sweet! I love the story about Ruth Richmond as well.
Until I started reading Retro Renovation, I didn’t think that I liked 70s design but series like this one are starting to change my mind.
pam kueber says
Design from any era done well — is design done well!
Jen says
Amen! To both comments. Though I am not sure that I can live with the amount of pattern that was used in any of these mid-century homes. I appreciate how well it comes together and the artistry that went into the design. But I fear that in my own home it would feel too “busy” and there would be no place to rest my eyes.
Jeneta says
Love! love! love it!
Sixteventies says
I think I have found the doorknob of my dreams!!!! (How often do I get to say that?!) This would look great on any 60s-70s era home!!! I can’t wait to get my hands on one!!