Antique Plumbing Handles 101

Posted on September 25, 2016 | 2 Comments

We wish this was an easier topic than it is. We see hundred of folks a year who just need to replace an old broken/damaged/undesirable valve handle. The metaphor we fall back on a lot is it's kind of like replacing a 1920's carburetor - the part if different from manufacturer to manufacturer and time period to time period. Some companies, notably Chicago, have only a few different types of splines while some have many more.

A spline pattern refers to the shape of the mounting area at the base of the handle, like this:

Antique porcelain handle upside down

Here there are the number of splines, or tiny ridges inside, as well as the width and sometimes the depth. This part can also be square,

or threaded.

Additionally, most handles have a set screw either down through the top or from the side. A small minority use a compression system with a nut that screws down:

All these variable have to align to get a proper replacement handle.

But! Don't lose heart! We have a sizable selection of handles to choose from in our store.

The best thing to do is bring in your stem (the part the handle fits on to) and we can test out different handles. It is nearly impossible to eye ball it, so a test piece is almost always necessary to ensure a match. If you can't bring in a stem, bring in a working handle and we can find a stem first (this will add to the time though, be advised!)

We know old plumbing can be tricky and time consuming, but we hope Hippo's resources can be of help!

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2 Responses

Hippo Hardware

February 09, 2018

Hi Richard!
So sorry for the late reply, we just finally figured out how to respond to comments. We do have quite a few handles but the spline patterns can vary widely, even from the same manufacturer. If possible, stop by our shop or email us a picture of the handles you need. Thank you!

Richard Rothschild

December 16, 2016

I am looking for a pair of complete Standard Plumbing handles for a shower assembly. I’d need all the parts, threaded insrt, HOT/COLD porcelain buttons, retc.
Is this something you might have?

About Us

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.

If you're looking for a hard to find hardware pattern or can't find the match to your lamp shade, we'd be happy to tell you if we have it, seen it, or know where you could get it.

To make sure you get what you need, we offer the following services:

Lighting and Lamp Repair - We have a fully UL certified lighting repair shop. We can repair and rewire most vintage or antique fixtures. You may want to call or e-mail if it's newer, but we can sometimes fix those too. Shop prices are $80/hour plus parts.

Customizing - We do our best to make sure it looks just right. Our lighting shop can customize length, finishes, plating, and configuration. Our plumbing department will coordinate refinishing with local companies. The hardware department is able to darken, refinish, clean, and rebuild. Our services can vary depending on staff so please contact us with your project details.

Returns - Accepted for any reason within 2 weeks of purchase. That means if it doesn't fit, if your sweetheart doesn't like it, if it doesn't match your paint scheme. Receipt required. Returned to you the way you paid and items MUST be in original packaging and condition. Defective or damaged items will not be eligible for a refund.
If your items were shipped: Shipping refunded only in the case of defective items. Hippo does not refund original OR return shipping cost.
Online shopping - Conveniently browse our online section of items! Please note: our online section is much smaller than our store selection, we do offer returns for online purchases but do not refund original shipping or provide return shipping. We ship on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

Trade in - Bring in what you have and we will offer you in store credit or cash. Email pictures first if you'd like to talk about it before you get here.
Mortise lock repair - Hippo is the only hardware store in Portland that offers full mortise lock repair--including French Door mortises and closet mortises! Our repair shop can diagnose and repair your mortise lock or perhaps we have a replacement if a repair is not an option. Shop prices are $80/hour. Please call our store and ask for Colin to speak about your repair!

Hippo Hardware has three glorious floors and 30,000 sq feet of building salvage to explore. Our inventory, and staff, is divided into four departments: Hardware, Lighting, Plumbing, and Architecture. We do our best to highlight our inventory full of unique items and reproductions on our website, but most of our stock is not online yet. Please contact us if you're looking for something you don't see here.

We donate to: NARAL, Planned Parenthood, Portland Women's Crisis Line, Benson High School, Sunnyside Environmental School, Junk to Funk Recycled Fashion Show, SE Works, Vision Northwest, Multnomah Playschool, Union Gospel Mission, Community House, The Friendly House, Marylhurst Childhood Center, Portland Lions Club, Sabin Elementary School, Oya No Kai supporting the Japanese Magnet Program, Lee Owen Stone Preschool, Public Interest Law Project, Jefferson High School for the Performing Arts Theater Department, imago Theater, Reynolds High School, David Douglas High School, and Milagro Theater.