How To Care For Glass Handles
Glass handles, commonly called glass door knobs, were first made in the early 1800s when glass mold production was first invented. The production of glass door handles became more sophisticated in the next century and soon was widespread, particularly in the better homes. These little pieces of decorative art rose to the height of popularity in the 1920s as World War I created a shortage of metals for doorknobs. Because the main ingredient for glass handles is sand, this made them a more economical choice. Today these antique glass doorknobs are very collectible and are considered a high-end detail for decoration.
Early glass handles were highly specialized pieces that were multifaceted with a wide variety of designs etched into their surfaces. Caring for these deco-age household artworks requires an appreciation for the workmanship that went into them. Because cleaning them involves careful consideration of the etchings, it is important to use a soft cloth to ensure that no scratches are introduced onto the surface.
Of course, you can still buy a glass door handle in your local hardware store. For many replacing their antiques with newer models is the easiest way to care for the glass doorknobs. These doorknobs are often referred to as “builders’ specials” and are not of the high quality you would find in the antique versions from the early twentieth century. However, since they tend to be priced around ten dollars each, as opposed to the thirty to one hundred dollars you can pay for an antique door handle, money concerns might make this an easier way to care for them.
If you own antique glass handles, your most common work to care for them will entail looking for replacements for worn or damaged parts. The customary piece to be looking for is the stem that connects the glass handles to the door. Since the pre-twentieth century handles were generally made with unthreaded spindles that had holes on either end, while the ones produced after turn of the century have square threaded spindles it is important to determine the type of glass door handle you have. There are a variety of places that you can hunt for replacement parts for your antique glass doorknobs when this happens.
Although yard sales and estate sales might be cheaper, you will find yourself in competition with professional antique buyers at many of these. However, for many the hunt is part of the joy and I have found that most of my best buys were made at early morning estate sales, especially in older neighborhoods where the glass door handles may not be seen as anything more than an old piece of hardware.
Salvage shops might be a little more expensive, but you are likelier to find the right part with less effort. There are literally hundreds of designs at the various salvage shops which is why they are the best place to find replacements or handle parts for broken or damaged glass door handles. Many of these shops have an online site as well, which makes it easier to search.
Finally, antique stores, especially the “junky” ones that allow you to rummage through their stock can be a great source for glass knob replacement parts. If you are thinking of haunting the antique stores to replace one of a set of antique glass doorknobs, be sure to bring one of the original knobs with you while hunting for replacements.
So no matter if you decide to replace your glass doorknobs with newer models, repair the ones you have, or replace damaged ones with additional antique door handles; caring for your glass handle will ensure a lasting impression of style and elegance for anyone who walks in your door.
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