Antique Brass Door Knobs - The Look & Feel of Forever

Antiques are stylish in home furnishings and fittings and brass door knobs are right in the forefront of the trend. Round, square, or any of the other shapes of door knobs that can be found: brass is a stellar material because of its many exceptional qualities. Cleaned and polished brass can shine like gold and with the patina of age it personifies the sophistication of lasting quality. Homes and offices that are graced by antique brass door knobs hold a certain air of elegance about themselves, and this adds the feel of constancy and reliability to any establishment.

One of the secrets about antique brass door knobs is that there are many modern look-alikes on the market. These knock offs are sometimes quite nice and have the advantage of being without wear and tear from the get go. Unfortunately they have the drawback of having none of the lovely patina so valued in originals. The antique products are worn in the patterns of their usage by hands over the years, and these wear patterns are one of the ways the genuine antiques can be told from the modern equivalents. Sharp, crisp edges in the decorative patterns are almost surely of modern make. Real antiques have had all the sharp edges worn down by hands rubbing them over the years of their lives giving them a lived with look that is so endearing to the antique enthusiast.

Caring for true antiques is a matter of taste for the owner. Some people like the new look and so will polish the patina off thinking it looks dirty. Others will clean the item with great care to remove only actual dirt but leaving the patina securely in place to be admired. People who have seen the antiquing programs on television are aware that the resale value of an antique often rests on its patina and wear and not just on its actual provenance: thorough cleaning and refinishing can take away most of an antique’s monetary value.

To clean an antique brass door knob it is best to use non-abrasive products. Isopropyl alcohol on a soft cloth will take care of most cleaning needs and a mild soapy water mixture can safely be used for more soiled items. Of course, not matter what is used it is always best to protect the surrounding wood from any contact with the cleansing agent. If there is original lacquer on the door knob using these non-abrasive products will help to preserve its appearance for future admirers to enjoy.

The real joy in antique brass door knobs is their connection to the past. All of us like to feel that we are a part of an on-going history that was here before us and will last long after we are gone. Antiques can help with that feeling of connectedness that is yearned for in so many of us. Door knobs are the way into homes and rooms within those homes and having a touch of past elegance greet our guests is often just the right touch to make them feel welcome. Even if they don’t consciously notice the amenities of the door, none-the-less the aura of permanence provided by antique brass door knobs is absorbed each time the feel of age is experienced.