How old is your glass doorknob? Read on, my friends!
We see a lot of glass door knobs here at the Hippo Hardware. Not only in terms of style, but age as well. Glass doorknobs were produced widely for over 50 years! Although the glass part of the knob is the flash and style, a big trick to dating them is in the metal base. The subtle design choices can tell you the difference between a 1900 door knob and a 1940's doorknob. These can then tell you are sorts of useful things like "Are these original to my house?" or "are these knobs are from the same set?".
Below is a brief walk through by era:
1890's - The Originals
These were super rare and cutting edge at the time. We like to throw around the term 'mansion-ware' here for stuff like this - only owned by the very wealthy of the time (thus not a lot made). Some glass hardware already existed, notably cabinet knobs, but nothing in the way of door knobs. These knobs feature a very wide base with steps up to the glass. The knobs are frequently if not exclusively pinned (not like your girl in the 1950's but like a brass nail running through the base to attach the knob to the spindle). This has the plus side of being very secure and the downside of being very hard to remove. These knobs are most easily distinguished by their base. The glass came in hexagonal, round, and even some more unusual shapes such as egg shaped or faceted spheres.
Octagonal glass doorknob with wide, stepped base. Pin secures knob to the spindle.
1900's - The Up and Coming
Here we see glass knobs become a little more mainstream but still not much outside of the upper class. This era, again not widely produced, features the more narrow (and familiar) base like but maintains the straight shaft (meaning not threaded, as will become very common later). An easy way to note these knobs is the narrow base without threads (requiring a user to screw directly into the spindle instead of threading a screw through the base). These door knobs also came in a wide variety of glass shapes, although what we see most often are octagonal, shown here.
Octagonal glass slip on door knob
1910's - Breaking into the Mainstream
The first twist-on door knob came out right about 1915, give or take a few years. The twist on style revolutionized all door knobs at the time, glass and otherwise. Instead of needing lots of tiny washers to get your knobs the correct width apart for your door, you could just screw down your knob and tighten the set screw - Voila! Modern magic. These first glass twist-on door knobs feature the same heavy cast brass bases, but instead of a smooth square, are round and threaded inside. See below for a great example: a twist on glass egg doorknob, a fantastic carved glass octagonal doorknob, and a very unusual hollow glass knob filled with mercury. Some additional clues here are the convex style (rounded top instead of a cut face) tend to be from this era.
Carved octagonal glass knob
Mercury glass doorknob with a twist-on base
1920's - Everybody Loves Me
It was really the 1920's that saw glass door knobs in a huge percentage of homes. They became affordable and accessible and boy did those homeowners love 'em. Here we see the twist on style base with the with the heavy cast brass but the glass is generally a more standardized shape - octagonal with a cut face or fluted.
Although they weren't common, Schlage patented and produced the first integrated knobset in the mid-1920's. These were new technology at the time and took another 30 years to really catch on.
At hippo, this is generally the beginning of where our stock goes from the specialty case to the beautifully mounded bins. A lot of the really great novelty colors (green, amber, blue), such as these great black glass knobs, were produced in this era.
1920's black glass octagonal doorknob
1930's - Keep On Keeping On
Glass doorknobs continued to be wildly popular, so much so that we really see the 'budget' versions getting big. Fluted style really overtakes the octagonal in popularity in the 1930's but both are still widely used. Although we don't have an exact date on when they started, something called 'contractor grade' aka 'super cheap' becomes much more common.
Additionally, as they become more wide spread, bases tend to move from cast brass to stamped brass over iron (like these guys - a fluted glass doorknob with a stamped brass base) or sometimes even stamped steel over iron. Additionally, this is really when we see all those unusual, creative glass shapes all but disappear. There were still outliers, but they become rare. Glass knobs had become more common in less affluent homes although were generally a step up from the plain steel knobs generally seen in working class homes of the time.
1940's - The Wave Has Crested
We finally start to see a small decline in glass knobs - octagonal fading much more quickly than fluted. Although they're still widely produced, they are beginning to lose their grip. Here we also get to see the beginning of the shift of the type of doorknobs you'd find at a new hardware store - the large drill outs and integrated latch. These knobs were produced in the 1940's through the early 1950's. We also see what we affectionately think of as the 'squashed' glass knob made by Dexter - a slightly squatter version of the fluted and round glass knob.
1950's - Time to Move On
Glass doorknobs were really on their way out by this point, having completed the cycle of rare elite to mass consumption to out of style.
1960s to Now - Reproductions
That certainly doesn't mean glass knobs weren't still made. Now, instead, the focus was on reproductions or restoration. Anything with a pot metal or ZMAC base is certainly in this category (such as these fluted glass knobs). Also a set screw with anything other than a slotted head screw is another dead giveway as a production. There are also higher end reproductions with cast brass bases (such as these octagonal glass reproductions here)
Reproduction fluted glass doorknobs
Reproduction octagonal glass doorknobs
Share any tips or tricks you may have in caring for, restoring, or replacing your glass doorknobs in the comments!
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25 Responses
Ed
I’ve got an old knob with the rod stuck in it. Is there a best way to get them out? Or is one side made with the rod stuck in?
Tammy
Hi there,
I recently purchased 7 sets of glass knobs, they have the screw in spindle, I took them apart and soaked them, I had to use a small brush to clean inside. I was surprised at the amount of debris inside, including what looked like tinfoil coming out. One set though has what looks like tinfoil across the interior surface that doesn’t come off. Was this something they did to give them more sparkle?
Thankyou in advance
Susan
My house was built in 1936 with all glass doorknobs. They were all gently used but 5 have some wear. The glass is loosen from the metal cup. I’ve considered injecting a clear glue into the knob base but I can’t see how to get there. Not even sure if drilling a hole would do it. I’ve looked for salvaged replacements but this glass design must be rare. Any suggestions? If you respond, I can send a photo via email.
iOne
These were generally lead crystal glass, with real lead. Are lead-free reproductions available? Any without a California proposition 65 notice?
paul hsieh
Can you receive the photos of the glass door knobs and advise the market value of them?
Michele Bradley
I would like to send Some pictures of some antique glass door knobs to get an appraisal of their worth if any. You can contact me @ email.
Thanks
Audrey
How is the glass attached to the hardware in these old door knobs? Having troubling IDing my recent beach find – stopper or knob ?
Renae
I have a set of 3. Knobs themselves might be newer. They are fluted crystal, brass trim, with slotted set screws. The latch definitely looks older and has Holly Made stamped in it. I found them in the basement of a house I just bought. I like finding pretty treasures and also found your site trying to learn more about them.
Vickie Derrick
I am needing an old glass doorknob to go on my 100 year old door. I have found one to purchase for around $35.00. The description says that it is dark in the center. Do you know why that it might be dark in the center?
Thank you in advance for any information.
Vickie Derrick
Antoinette
Hi, we purchased an older home and they had these glass doorknobs. I was wondering if I send photos if you can tell me if they are worth keeping.
Julie Hansa
I have an early mercury glass set of door knobs I picked up on vacation in Salem, MA. I couldn’t figure out how they go on a door till your site. They are I believe the pin style. Is there a video or example of how they are attached?
Anne
How much does the 1940’s and 1950’s glass door knobs run I have 4 sets of them was looking to use them in my home when we remodle it to look like a cabin but do not know where to get the round piece that we would need to install them in thw doors.
Kim Rufener
Can I send you a picture of my collection of glass doorknobs to ensure how old they might be?
Thank you!
Chelle
I have 8 sets of glass door knobs I bought from estate sale could you tell me Aprox. Age and would you be interested in purchasing also how do I send you pics if these I also have a 6 seat of Disney Bavarian China 3 saucers
A tea cup per seat also 4 ashtrays and creamer sugar bowl and teapot I found one saucer identical to mine on eBay it was $79 for the one small saucer I think 1930 could you direct me to an interested party need money for Christmas thanks
Terri campbell
I was given doors from a house built in the 30’s and would like info on these door knobs, i cant seem to find any that are similar on internet. Have pic but dont know how to upload it
Elizabeth Craik
I have a bunch of glass door knobs from a 1940’s home, I’m doing a complete remodel and would like to reuse them, but need to find the adapter piece that is required to use them on modern day door hardware, any ideas. I’m in London Ontario Canada. Thanks
Randy
Nice article. My wife is looking for 5 or 6 glass knobs. She wants them to be different. We will be putting them on a shelf to use as coat hooks. Will glass knobs be strong enough for this job? Any tips besides e-bay and antique stores how to dig up some interesting knobs? She wants them to be different. I want the base on them to “look” like a door knob. Suggestions?
Juanita Luis-Perez
Hi! I found a basket full of glass door knobs in my moms house. Can you tell me if you would buy them from me or a little more about them… like if the age? Also I have about 25 pairs. Thank you!
Hippo Hardware
Hi Cheyne,
It’s hard to say without seeing the knobs you’re talking about. In general, some signs of reproductions have cloudier glass or set screws that take an allen wrench. Best of luck identifying your set!
Hippo Hardware
Hi Sandra,
There are a couple ways to go about this:
1) Purchase a dummy spindle and mount knob directly to the face of the drawer. Also, you probably want to make sure to have a plate to cover some of the dummy spindle poking out that will also fit on your drawer face. There are a couple threads here so ensure you have a dummy spindle with the correct thread. We have these dummy spindles online: https://www.hippohardware.com/products/dummy-spindle . We also have dummy spindles for straight tapped knobs too (knobs that don’t thread on but just ‘slip’ on)
2) For a threaded knobs, you could get a very large screw from a hardware store. You would likely need to drill out the hole in your drawer to accommodate it. Also, once you know exactly where it will go in your knob, you should mark with a sharpie through the set screw hole, take the knob off, and file a little flat spot for the set screw to push against. That will help prevent the knob from spinning in your hand.
Let us know if we can help!
Hippo Hardware
Hi Brooke,
Hm, that’s interesting that the glass knob is only in the bathroom. That’s not something I’ve heard of as an original design choice. Bathrooms didn’t become common in middle class homes until the 1920’s or 1930’s in many areas, in which case the house already had hardware. The new bathroom was likely a pantry or closet before, so it would need new hardware which might have seemed like a fun time to add a fancy new door knob. I hope that helps! Thanks!
Hippo Hardware
Hi Marie,
Thank you!!
Hi L. Lee,
Yes, definitely email us pictures and we can check it out.
Hi Shelly,
You can always shoot us an email with photos of your item and we can let you know what our offer would be. For value, I would research our store and other vendors around to find items similar to yours and see what they’re going for.
Hi Mary Lou,
Great! Thanks! Glad to be helpful.
Hi Rich!
Thanks so much for the compliment. We’d need to see pictures to get a sense of what you have. We don’t offer appraisals but we can make an offer if it’s an items we’d be interested in purchasing.
Hi Harold,
Absolutely! Thanks for stopping by.
Cheyne
Hello,
Ty for this very informative site. makes identifying very easy. I just have 1 unanswered question. I have a round glass knob with brass base. I want to know if the center of the inside glass has a shiny star/flower instead of the same shape but made of glass, does this mean its a reproduction?
Sandra
I want to convert antique glass doorknobs into drawer knobs. If I remove the brass bases, how can I connect the knobs to a screw that can go through the drawer?
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Hippo Hardware is an eclectic building salvage store specializing in hardware, lighting, architecture and plumbing from 1860-1960. We offer assorted collectibles, trinkets, whatnots, and whoziwhatsits depending on what we get in. The spirit of Hippo Hardware is to rejoice in the individual, the unique, and the original.
Hippo Hardware was officially established in 1976 after the founders Steven Miller and Stephen Oppenheim decided to turn a life of swashbuckling adventures into a second life of swashbuckling adventures. We live in the local, even for our customers far away. That means you will probably hear a story about burying a Porsche in a state park while you are asking about a faucet or meet Fred the shop dog while you're paying for a light fixture. We strongly support community projects, teachers, artists, adventurers, dreamers, and one-man-bands.
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Kyriell
November 27, 2021
Thank you for this article! I learnt from it that the knobs in the house are from 1890’s which is, interestingly, a decade before the house was built, if you believe the town files. I can believe that these early knobs were very rare as I cannot find them anywhere to undo a renovation that previous owners did in a part of the house… I only found one needed wide-base octagonal door knob in chrome available on the internet… I guess, I will have to come up with something different, as I need 7 in chrome and 2 in brass… Brass are a tad easier to find, chrome almost impossible…