Vintage Amber Glass

Glass Door Knobs and Crystal Door Knobs - Buying Online

Growing up we can remember when the multi-faceted glass and crystal door knobs were standard issue for most every new home. Bungalow, Craftsman and Ranch homes all came with these mirrored center fluted glass knobs. Finding them today, can be both challenging and expensive. You might find them in Antique stores and flea markets - but getting those to fit into your standard doors of today can be a challenge.

Don't dispair! These retrofit knobs are still manufactured today - and can be found online. They come in the Traditional fluted styles as well as more modern pumpkin shape, swilrs, octagon and oval sets. Even glass lever handles are available online. Always look for glass knobs that are made with quality - they will last a lifetime. Solid brass shanks and steel spindles are important.

The original styles of glass door knob sets can date back to the 1820's when the process for pressing molten glass into molds was invented. The moulds used are called 'press moulds' and are made from cast iron. Mouldsmiths - a dying art - would hand carve the geometry into steel and the moulten glass would be pressed into the correct shape. Glass door knob sets did not become 'in vogue' until after the United States entered World War I - mainly due to the shortage in brass, copper and bronze alloys.

During that World War I and II, these styles of glass knobs were gauged by Facets - or diamond points. They featured anywhere from six to twelve faceted sides with a bubble front that could show the starburst clearly. Mirrored paper or cardboard would be inserted in the back of the knob to reflect the light back through the center of the knob. More rare styles of these knobs came in colors such as amber, violet, white milk, and Vaseline glass (which got its yellow-green color from adding trace amounts of uranium oxide to the mold and allowed the glass to glow when exposed to a black light.)

These styles of knobs are available today - and the prices can range just as the quality can vary. Look for solid glass and solid brass construction - look for styles with weight and parts that can be used in modern style doors. Sets of six to twelve sided knobs cost between $90 and $150 and can be found online. A pair of cut-crystal balls - new or old - can range in price from $250 to $400 per set.

LookInTheAttic & Company offers free design advice as well as glass doorknob sets and crystal door knob sets. Standard and common Victorian style rosettes and exotic long back plates are also available in a wide variety of finishes.

About the Author

Kohn Coleman born in Michigan - received his Ph.D. from Iowa State University in 2000 - currently leads several online companies and ventures.

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Vintage Amber Glass

Glass Door Knobs and Crystal Door Knobs - Buying Online