historic door knobs and plates

By Gid Alston, 1 July, 2013
Description

 

I have 3 sets of door hardware (brass knobs & plates, interior/exterior) that I am told were on the old Atlanta Courthouse for many years.  I've been told that this door hardware has great historical value.  I've searched the internet for photos of antique door fixtures and have found nothing that is comparable or even close.

The brass is the most beautiful I've ever seen. I'm told that it is of the finest quality and that today's brass isn't even in the same league.

Category
General Antiques and Collectibles
Medium
Brass
Distinguishing marks
Very ornate knobs and plates
Condition
Mint
Size and dimensions of this item
There are 3 one-piece units containing the knobs and interior and exterior plates.
Each exterior plate = 16” X 4.25”
Each interior plate = 11.5” X 3.25”
one set of interior folding door pulls = 12.5” X 3”
Date Period
Well over 100 years old
Weight
The weight of each set of door knobs/plates = 7.5 pounds

The weight of each of the matching pulls for interior, folding doors is about 1/2 pound.
History
These door fittings were on the old Atlanta Courthouse for many years. I don't know if the courthouse was demolished or burned, but the door fittings came into the possession of a professor in Due West, SC. I acquired the items when I bought his home after his death.
Price
Will consider all bids, but the reserve price on these items is high.
Price Paid (If known)
N/A The items were in a home I purchased.
For Sale?
Yes
Photos

Gid Alston

12 years ago

Brass does not age like other metals and does not acquire patina, but it does tarnish.  The outside plates have tarnished from the weather, but can be restored to full brilliance by using the restoration process of blasting the surface with crushed walnuts.  I've seen this process in action, and it is amazing.

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