Historic hardware is a character-defining feature! I came across this beautiful doorknob and back plate in a building I was consulting on. The same hardware pattern appears throughout much of the building. Note, the knob should be rotated 90 degrees. It is likely the mechanism hadn’t been cleaned and lubricated in many decades, causing the knob to stick in the open position.
The hardware used in a historic house always reflects the time in which it was created. In early houses it might be hand-forged iron, elaborate cast bronze or brass in Victorian houses, nickel or chrome in early 20th century houses, or polished aluminum or stainless steel in a Mid-Century house.
Whatever it is, it is probably repairable (unlike modern hardware) and should be preserved. There are antique hardware dealers and restorers, many of whom will do work by mail.
Architectural salvage shops typically stock lots of historic hardware. Online auction sites can also be a great source to find what you need.
Hardware is covered in Chapter 17 of “Restoring Your Historic House, The Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners.”
Signed and personalized copies of the award-winning and bestselling 720-page hardcover book are available from the author in our online shop at YourHistoricHouse.com/shop/.
Select preservation and restoration titles by other authors are also available in our shop. Save on cost and shipping with our multi-book combo packs!
“Restoring Your Historic House is also available in bookstores nationwide and from online retailers.
© Scott T. Hanson 2025.
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