Rare Antique Amethyst Glass & Brass Door Knobs Circa 1800s

• 5.5cm (2 1/4") wide
• will project 6cm (2 1/4") from the door

They're suitable for most door lock types including rim, mortise and push/pull.

The shanks are brass and have been left uncleaned, but will polish up beautifully if that's the look that you prefer. 

In good condition, but there is some loss to the mercury mirrored centers.

*In 1860-1915 lead was substituted with manganese to make glass brighter and act as a stabilizer. Over time it became apparent that glass made in this way turned a very light lavender colour if exposed to the sun and a wonderful deep amethyst colour if bathed in strong sunlight. This was not however a quick process and took over one hundred years to become apparent.

Consequently some pairs of handles from this era have one knob that is effected - on the sunny side of the door and one that remains clear from the shady side.

Circa 1915 the practice of using manganese in glass production ceased and most manufacturers instead used selenium as the clearing agent. Hence, if you are lucky enough to own one of these handles then you can be sure of its age and authenticity.