Seriously, what other website wants to see photos of your old door knobs and related hardware — that is, escutcheons? This was suggested by reader Madeline, who wrote:
Hi Pam,
Would you consider doing a reader-uploader-thing for door knobs and related hardware? (I’m assuming you haven’t already done this in the past.)
I am debating over which style to use on my (currently nonexistent and purely theoretical!) 70’s style contemporary house after having amassed a decent amount of NOS Weiser tulip door knobs in antiqued brass.
I would love to see what other people have on their doors – interior and exterior!
If anybody collects old catalogs from Schlage, Weiser, and so on (someone has been buying them all off eBay… who are you?!) those could be interesting too.
Thanks,
MadelineP.S. Your webpage is a dangerous influence! 😉
Thank you, Madeline, for the great idea. And I hope, “Dangerous in a Good Way” 😉
Our lead photo, above, to start: A Ruth Richmond for Weiserlock doorknob that designer Ben Sander turned me on to. Of course, ever since I wrote about these doorknobs, prices on ebay have doubled or tripled or more. Doggonit.
UPDATE: My site was taking too long to load. So I turned the Uploader off while I asked my host server to see what/if there was a problem. I’ll add the uploader back if / when. Meanwhile, enjoy the photos uploaded so far:
Tips to view slide show: Click on first image… it will enlarge and you can also read my captions… move forward or back via arrows below the photo… you can start or stop at any image:
Debbie in Portland says
The Architectural Heritage Center here in Portland, Oregon has a display gallery called The Beauty of Historic Hardware, described as: “Artifacts include drawer pulls, escutcheon plates, sash lifts, hinges and doorknobs – in wrought bronze, brass, nickel, glass, and more.” Detail and craftsmanship that you certainly don’t find in today’s big-box store goods!
Phyllis says
Oh I hope someone uploads a cobalt blue one…I remember those from childhood.
Penne says
Found out how to pronounce escutcheon a couple of months ago at the Habitat for Humanity when I bought a door, removed the knob and escutcheon and re donated the door. A volunteer corrected me.
pam kueber says
Great story!
Laura M. says
OMG that lion head knob!! Would love to know more about it.
Madeline says
And yes Pam, you are most definitely dangerous in a good way 😉
Love your site and can’t get enough of it!!!
I’m glad to know I’m not the only person who’s crazy for this stuff!
Marie Gamalski says
That lion head knob with astrological escutcheon is hands down, the coolest thing I’ve ever seen! Not sure who’s house that is but, LUCKY you!!!!????
Nancy M Herbert says
I can almost state that this is why we bought the place! It’s on the front door to our condo overlooking the Ballard Locks (in Seattle) build in 1982. We swing the lion’s head away to use the keyhole. The man who built our building owned our unit so it’s got a few ‘extras’ the other ones don’t have. Thank goodness that the floor to ceiling aquarium has been removed, along with the hot tub in our skylight room (entire ceiling is glass)! It gives me the willies to think about how much water used to be stored up here.
pam kueber says
WOAH! Party house!
Stacy says
I am really looking forward to seeing all the great photos on this uploader. I was just thinking the other day about how I would love posts with different uploader categories featured. It is always fun to be allowed a peek at all the vintage goodies that RR readers have in their homes. Lots of inspiration! Thanks, Pam!
Diane says
I’m ridiculously excited to see all of the fabulous hardware that will be posted!
CAT says
That doorknob is so cool. In fact, I found one online (for a super great price I now realize!) and used it to top my husband’s walking stick. We removed the boring old black top and put this on! Total wizard stick now. He gets SO many comments on it!!!
Suzy says
Love this! I think period hardware really makes a statement. Next, how about switch plates? Decorative ones used to be really popular. I’m always looking for interesting ones. Why should turning on the lights be boring!!
Madeline says
Suzy, you read my mind!!! I’ve just started scouring eBay for switch plates as well as the last few bits of door hardware to complete my set!
Glen H says
Oh, I used to have a super naughty Tom of Finland switch plate…no photos alas!