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Olde Good Things

Architectural and Altered Antiques

What is Architectural Salvage and Its Impact on the World?

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Architectural salvage refers to the process of salvaging reusable building materials and architectural elements from buildings that are being demolished, renovated, or dismantled. These materials include items such as doors, windows, flooring, hardware, lighting fixtures, decorative pieces, and structural elements. These salvaged materials are then repurposed or reused in other building projects, reducing waste and preserving the historic and aesthetic aspects of older structures.

The practice of architectural salvage has had a significant impact on the world in several ways. Firstly, it reduces the amount of waste generated by the construction and demolition industries. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, construction and demolition waste accounts for around 40% of all waste generated in the United States. Salvaging materials from these sites helps to divert this waste from landfills and reduces the need for new resources to be extracted and processed.

Secondly, architectural salvage plays an essential role in preserving the heritage and character of historic buildings. Many older buildings contain unique or rare architectural elements that are not easily replicated using modern materials. Salvaging and reusing these elements can help to maintain the integrity of historic structures and prevent the loss of valuable cultural resources. Additionally, using salvaged materials in new construction projects can add a sense of character and authenticity that is often lacking in new buildings.

Thirdly, architectural salvage can also provide economic benefits to communities. Salvage yards and architectural salvage businesses provide jobs and support local economies by creating demand for skilled tradespeople and craftsmen. Additionally, salvaging and reusing materials can often be a cost-effective alternative to purchasing new materials, making it an attractive option for builders and contractors looking to save money.

Finally, architectural salvage can also have environmental benefits beyond waste reduction. Salvaging and reusing materials can often be more energy-efficient than producing new materials from scratch. For example, reusing a salvaged window frame may require only minor repairs and refinishing, whereas producing a new one from raw materials would require significantly more energy and resources.

We at Olde Good Things, love architectural salvage and have been at this practice for over 30 years.  We consider it one way we have been reducing our carbon footprint and supporting a cleaner planet.  We hope you will join us in this “green” pursuit, and when building or remodeling, always look for how you can reuse salvaged materials before shopping new.

How to Remove Paint from Antique Hardware

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Many have purchased old-period homes with glorious plans to restore them to their initial beauty.  Many times, during the restoration process, they may find that much of the original hardware throughout has been overlaid with years and years of old paint.  To stay true to the style of the home, antique hardware is a must, especially considering the quality of much of the modern hardware sold at big box stores nowadays.  If you have found yourself in this situation, you may be wondering just how do you restore the hardware to its original luster?  Is it even possible?  Is it hard? Well, the good news is, we at Olde Good Things have been restoring antique hardware for a quarter of a century.  We have learned simple processes of how to bring back these pieces to as near as possible to their first charm.  In this post, we have decided to share with you a safe and easy process that should help you in your endeavor to restore your antique hardware to its true beauty.

Watch the video or follow the step-by-step instructions below.

Video

Step by Step

Supplies

Safety goggle
Old clean paintbrush
Metal Stripper (Rock Miracle Paint Remover)
Wire brush
Large bin or cardboard
Old scrub brush – not pictured
Thick chemical-proof rubber gloves

 

Step 1


Take the wire brush and remove any loose paint.

Tip: Make sure to wear your safety goggles so no paint residue gets in your eyes.

Step 2

Take the paintbrush, dip in the stripper, and put a generous layer on the areas that are painted. Wait 15 minutes until you see the paint cracking and lifting.

Tip: Make sure you wear thick rubber chemical-proof gloves to protect your hands.

Step 3


Take your piece to the sink and with lukewarm water rinse the paint off and use the old scrub brush to get into smaller crevices.

Step 4


Completely dry the hardware. Don’t let it dry on its own. That could cause it to rust.

Step 5


Take a wire brush or steel wool to remove any excess paint or even out the patina. Strippers will remove the patina and layered finishes.

Tip: Be cautious adding strippers to thin cast metals like steel. It will completely remove the intended finish.

Step 6


Add a polish to shine or leave the surface natural.

DIY with Original Hardware

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Since many of you may be finding yourselves at home during these unprecedented times, we thought we would send you some DIY ideas. They’ll be great for a sense of accomplishment as well as a little bit of diversion. There is an upside to this social distancing and work at home ethic: getting to those long forgot about chores and small improvement projects which you have always put on the backburner.

Have a cabinet that needs a replacement hinge? A door with a broken doorknob? A drawer with a missing pull? Maybe you’ve could never locate the right piece of hardware at your local hardware store or Home Depot because you need an old original one. Enter Olde Good Things.

Brass Ornate Cabinet Hinge – SKU #P263206
Click here for our variety of hinges

FYI, Olde Good Things has the most extensive inventory of original hardware available under one roof! And the good news is, we’re open to online ordering. Also, if you don’t find what you are looking for on our webstore, just contact us via email, we have a knowledgeable staff who can look for you and see if we can find that hard to find item which is right for your project.

Just one of the antique doorknob sets available.  This one is a cast bronze example.  But you can find glass, porcelain, brass and more under door hardware on our web site.

 

OGT has a unique variety of simple to an aesthetic decorative cabinet, window, and door latches.  If you don’t find what you are looking for on our web site.  Just shoot us an email with a picture of what you may need.
(Pictured here is SKU P267565)

Want a sense of accomplishment?  Get the job done with original hardware.  See you next time!

Read more about original hardware

View original hardware online

How To Buy Old Doors Online

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Doors salvaged from historic architecture will add a stunning statement piece to any home or business. Many architects and planners agree that choosing salvaged wood is the only sustainable choice for building and renovation projects when the amount of construction wood waste increases exponentially every year with the increase in the world’s population.


According to Environmental Protection Agency statistics, 2.9 million tons of waste wood was combusted in 2017. Landfills received 12.1 million tons of wood. This was 8.7 percent of all waste landfilled that year. A Guardian article reported that the demolishing and remodeling of homes results in the equivalent of 250,000 single-family homes ending up in landfills or incinerated annually. This is wood sourced from forests, as well as wood from older homes.

The wastefulness of using only new wood products and trashing the old is multiplied when you consider the value of salvaged wood. Homes built at least 50 years ago were constructed with wood sourced from first growth forests, resulting in a sturdier, denser, and altogether higher quality wood product.

Determine Door Size

You really can’t go wrong aesthetically when you go with antique salvaged wood doors. But, there are a number of factors to consider when you order salvaged wood doors online.

First, you will need to obtain the dimensions before you start searching and ordering wood doors online. Measure the width and height of the old door rounded to full inches. Next, measure the door jamb from the backside of the interior trim to the backside of the exterior trim to obtain your depth measurement. Ordering doors by the specific jamb width will ensure that your new salvaged doors fit flush with the trim. Otherwise, you will need jamb extensions.

Take a measurement of the masonry opening. You might need to remove the trim to get this measurement. Measure from one exterior casing to another, and from the bottom of the sill to the top of the trim for height. If the salvaged wood doors you choose do not fit the measurements, including the trim, adjustments in the trim will need to be made. Gaps may be filled with decorative molding or strips of wood. The process can turn into a project requiring additional time and money but, depending on your preferred doors, the finished product will be a work of art you can take pride in. Just be aware of the time and costs that will need to be invested. It is important to order your doors with all specifications firmly in hand to ensure you get a fitted, weatherproof finished product.

Condition of the Door

When you select your salvaged wood online, make sure to request condition pictures from the supplier, including any damage, color variations, or abnormalities. Salvaged doors are often salvaged in a lot, and only one photo is shown to represent what you are getting.

Another important factor when inquiring about the condition of salvaged wood doors is knowing if the doors will require stripping, painting, or restaining. Our in-house shop does not offer stripping services. Stripping services, unless you choose to do it yourself, should be included in the overall cost, as should painting, staining, or any extra rehabilitation. Olde Good Things is here to advise you in these processes, should you choose the do-it-yourself method. Here are some tips on painting and staining your salvaged doors: How To Prepare and Paint or Stain Old Doors

Descriptions of doors for sale online may include terms like “lite” or “panel.” Lite wood doors mean you can expect glass frames in the doors. Doors with glass frames can be a lovely accent, but make sure to ask the seller if the glass is included or if you will need to replace the glass panes. Glass breakage is also a consideration. Panel wood doors are doors inlaid with wood.

Antique Hardware

One more consideration when researching your salvaged doors online: make sure you get a clear idea of the hardware that is still attached and what will be needed. Will the doorknobs need to be replaced? Do you need to buy hinges separately? Olde Good Things has a wide selection of hardware for your antique and salvaged doors, including hinges, door knockers, door knob sets, and door pulls. Our gallery includes a variety of styles, such as Arts and Crafts, Art Deco, Colonial, and Victorian. After you purchase your door(s), you can ask our hardware department to offer options for replacing any missing hardware. We’ll make sure that the hardware fits your door properly before it is shipped out. If you have a specific type you are trying to match, this article is a great resource to get started: Match Your Antique Hardware at Olde Good Things

Shipping Costs

To avoid weighty shipping costs associated with buying salvaged wood doors online, research suppliers in your local area. Doors generally weigh between 50 to 200 pounds. For an average door, freight shipping typically costs around $275, but heavier doors can have higher shipping costs. Olde Good Things offers cost-efficient delivery in many areas of the US.

 

Doing your research when buying anything, including salvaged wood or salvaged doors, online will save money, time, and dissatisfaction with the product. Contact us today to see what salvaged doors and door hardware we have available.

How to Reuse Vintage Doorknobs

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They all say that the devil’s in the details, but for those brave enough to venture into the world of details, there will be a due reward. Creativity is at the epicenter of any beautifully decorated room. Not only are there a plethora of ways to use vintage hardware for their intended purpose and draw more beauty into a room but finding alternative uses could also enliven a space and give it a unique flair that won’t be found elsewhere.

Turn antique doorknobs into wall hangings for decoration. Sticking a random doorknob in the middle of a wall won’t exactly do the trick but grouping a few different hardware pieces could give the desired effect. Always look for knobs that really shine for you and make them part of your home. A home can speak volumes about the one who owns it. Don’t let the conventional uses for old items keep you from seeing potential outside the box.

Think outside the designed purpose to find creative ways of repurposing. Doorknobs can have a lot in common with many wall-mounted coat hangers. Take a salvaged piece of wood and stick old doorknobs to it, and voila! you have your own one-of-a-kind coat hanger for your entryway. Seeing only a device for opening doors will cripple creative flow. Consider the shape, size, weight, texture, and unique qualities of an item. What makes it special? How can its best features be showcased?

Let creativity be your guide. When something brings back pleasant memories or fits well with a room motif, don’t let it be a getaway! It’s not the same as playing in the world of made-to-order items. These aren’t going to be remade for people who sit on their hands and watch a good thing pass them by.

Now that got your creative juice flowing, you will need vintage doorknobs to complete your vision. You’re in luck here at Olde Good Things we have buckets upon buckets of old doorknobs. We have large quantities of glass, porcelain, plain, & decorative doorknobs in stock. We also carry the dummy spindles to make most doorknobs a pull. If you’re on a budget with limited funds for your project, we have doorknobs with chips that we sell at a low price. Please contact our hardware department for more information.

Hardware House Party: Late Victorian Hardware Sets for Your Home

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As a fashionable Victorian, one way to demonstrate your good taste and wealth was to decorate your doors with ornate, eye-catching hardware. Homeowners would purchase matching sets in elaborate styles from manufacturers like Adams & Westlake, Russell & Erwin, Corbin, or Sargent.  The sets would include dramatic entry knobs for the front door, matching smaller knobs for the interior first floor doors, and complementary backplates. (Second floor doors, less visible to visiting friends and neighbors, often featured simpler, less expensive knobs in white or black porcelain).

Whether you are restoring a Victorian house or just adding some antique flair to a modern home, you can recreate this coordinated look with our Olde Good Things hardware inventory. While some of our other antique doorknobs are only available in single or small quantities, we have extensive stock in these classic styles. Put an order in through our web store, or contact us for assistance assembling a house set.

Empire

This Corbin design series, dated ca. 1890, features the beloved Fanciful Beast surrounded by radiant swirls. Our Empire collection includes several knobs, backplates, and door sets.

Shop this style!

Ceylon

Corbin released this vernacular design series a few years later, ca. 1895 (and it was still included in their 1905 catalog). There are two different types of Ceylon knobs, both in wrought bronze – a three-fold design and an arched design, both asymmetrical. Our Ceylon inventory includes both knob designs as well as accompanying backplates and door sets.

Shop this style!

Roanoke

This is another vernacular series by Corbin, released in ca. 1895 (and also included in their 1905 catalog). Roanoke wrought bronze knobs feature a central dome framed by feather-like swirls, but the style is most recognizable in its dramatic, whirling backplates. Our Roanoke collection includes knobs, backplates, door sets, sash lifts, and pocket door plates.

Shop this style!

Columbian

Reading manufactured this Italian Renaissance-inspired series beginning in 1897. Two types of knobs are available: a horizontal design with a subtle appearance by a fox, and an eight-fold symmetric design with foliage. Our Columbian inventory includes knobs, backplates, and door sets.

Shop this style!

Americus

Also known as Eulalia, this Rococo style was produced by Reading beginning in 1898. These knobs have a central floral design and a textured surround. Our Americus collection includes knobs, backplates, door sets, and an ornate door pull.

Shop this style!

Salvaged Antique Door Hardware from Philadelphia Civic Center

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Recently at Olde Good Things, we rediscovered in the depths of hardware department a large collection of bronze Corbin made door hardware salvaged from the Philadelphia Civic Center. In 2005, when the Philadelphia Civic Center was demolished, Olde Good Things reclaimed many architectural friezes, industrial lights, seats, copper roof, marble wall plaques, doors & door hardware.

 

The hardware is of an Art Deco style with a medallion shaped Philadelphia Civic Center emblem on the top. Each bronze piece is Corbin made in the early 1900s. The commercial types range from mono-lock, push plate, door pull, & door knob with plate. Typically, one pull and one push plate completes a swinging door on each side. Below views each type now available, with a limited quantity.

 

See below on how the hardware was used in Philadelphia Civic Center. The mono-locks were used in phone booths and the door push plates & pulls were used in the common hallway areas.

 

To learn more about this amazing 2005 salvage job and the history of Philadelphia Civic Center, read our initial blog post Architectural Find of the Week: Historic Limestone Friezes from Philadelphia Civic Center.

To view ALL remaining inventory left from this salvage job, click here.

Top 10 Antique Door Knobs from Historical Buildings

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The most interesting store in New York City is now offering a selection of the most interesting antique doorknobs from famous historic buildings. The salvaged knobs come from a wide variation of buildings, including the Neo-gothic Woolworth Building and the Art Deco Leverich Towers. And with such a varying selection, there is sure to be an antique doorknob that will perfectly accent your home or to add to your collection.

 

1. Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks, New York

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, established in 1868 by Thespians, is a charitable organization originally from New York. Currently, they have over 2,000 lodges located across the United States. This knob prominently features an elk in the center. View more listings matching the Elks group.

 

2. Board of Education New York City

The New York City public schools feature buildings that are noteworthy in many architectural ways. The New York City schools service over 1.1 million students. this knob features a ring of text reading “Board of Education, City of New York.” View more listings matching this knob group.

 

3. Board of Education Chicago

Chicago public schools serve nearly 500,000 students. Much like New York public schools, the buildings are often stylistically noteworthy. This knob features a more ornate design than the NYC knob, with the ring of text, “Board of Education, City of Chicago,” surrounding a hand holding a lit torch. View more listings matching this knob group.

 

4. Woolworth Building, New York City

For seventeen years, the Woolworth building on Broadway was the tallest building in the world. Interestingly enough, the evening of the opening was celebrated by President Woodrow Wilson turning on the lights. Today it is a National Historic Landmark. The Neo-Gothic landmark features these Gothic knobs, made in 1910 for the Woolworth Building. View this knob set online.

 

5. Leverich Towers, New York City

This emblematic knob comes from the Leverich Towers, a 16-story building located in Brooklyn Heights, New York City. This historic relic of a building, now senior housing, showcases the Romanesque Revival architecture featuring Venetian influenced towers on each corner. View this door knob online.

 

6. Hotel Deshler, Columbus, Ohio

The Neo-classicism, 400-room hotel was built by John G. Deshler in 1916 in Columbus, Ohio. The hotel was a central landmark until it was demolished for the One Columbus Center skyscraper. These emblematic knobs feature the legendary griffins. View this door knob online.

 

7. Chicago Federal Building, Chicago, Illinois

The Chicago Federal Building was completed in 1905, and demolished 60 years later in 1965. The Corinthian Order architecture originally housed courts, a post office first built in 1880, and many other government offices. In 1931, one of the courtrooms was the location of the trial for Al Capone, and concluded with his being sentenced to 10 years for tax evasion. The Federal Building was eventually demolished and replaced with the Kluczynski Federal Building. View this door knob online.

 

8. Lefcourt Newark, Newark, New Jersey

The apartment building, which opened in 1930 at 1180 Raymond Blvd, Newark, NJ, is now known as Eleven 80. The Art Deco building was once the tallest building in the city. View this knob online.

 

9. The Plaza Hotel, New York City

This National Historic Landmark of a hotel has been the setting of numerous books and films. The great American author, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby uses a suite in The Plaza as a setting for several scenes. While the French Renaissance style building has been frequented by many celebrities, it has also been the place for many important political meetings. View our blog on The Plaza Hotel salvage.

 

 

10. Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City

The Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City was once the tallest hotel in the world. The current building opened in the 1930s, and has its own railway platform connected to the New York City Subway system. The hotel was the location where the world Peace Conference of March 1949 took place. Presidents, celebrities, and numerous other high-profile guests have stayed there, the earlier Waldorf-Astoria was even home to inventor Nikola Tesla. Among the numerous salvaged artifacts we have for sale from the Waldorf Astoria, these ornate bronze doorknobs feature a unique shape and matching rosettes. Please contact regarding this knob set.

Using Salvaged Materials for a Fixer Upper Home Purchase

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Few would deny that unique style is a bonus for prospective buyers of renovated homes. While quality and function are important, it can be the unexpected touches that trigger a positive response and prompt an offer.

Investors who purchase property with the goal of renovating and reselling for profit sometimes overlook the potential to add character with reclaimed materials and architectural salvage, instead choosing more expensive options that can sometimes be hard on the budget.

Recognize Possibilities  

While most buyers appreciate the style and reliability of modern heating and cooling systems, new appliances and  energy-efficient lighting, there is a certain charm associated with vintage bath fixtures, period chandeliers and wall sconces, and reclaimed beams, flooring, doors, millwork and hardware.

When the quality of workmanship is evident, there is no reason why design items from the past cannot be fully integrated into modern interiors. Even exteriors can be enhanced with older architectural features. The truth is that salvaged materials and vintage home decor can constitute a bargain when used to update a “tired” property. They also add much-needed character to transform a bargain fix-and-flip project from mundane to extraordinary.

Rather than squandering potential profit on high-ticket items, why not exercise a bit of ingenuity to incorporate a stately vintage aesthetic into a modern property, whether that’s through DIY projects or hiring a professional craftsman? Whether your finished design theme is rustic farmhouse, industrial, Euro-tech, distinctively contemporary or vintage elegance, the unique appeal of repurposed elements can add spirit and new life to a renovation.

Be Inventive

The matching look — in home design as in furniture and clothing — is now passe, and color today depends less on popular trends than on personalization and individuality.

Designers and architects, as well as savvy investors and builders, realize the benefits of cost-effective options. Budgeting for a renovation requires keeping a tight lid on costs. Prospective buyers will respond to the unique and unusual. Salvaged architectural materials have the ability to raise the bar of perception: Buyers respond to one-of-a-kind features. Homes with custom features and distinctive personality sell faster and for higher prices than cookie-cutter models.

Look for Multi-use Value

The possibilities for integrating artistic features and period elegance are endless. Just consider these:

  • Add a carved wood fireplace surround as the focal point for a sleek modern fireplace;
  • Incorporate a freestanding armoire into a kitchen filled with standard upper and lower cabinets;
  • Add a kitchen island top of French marble rescued from an elegant hotel’s lobby;
  • Add Victorian tin ceiling panels to spark design elegance in a modern kitchen or dining room;
  • Create an elegant vanity cabinet from an old buffet or desk;
  • Reclaimed glass — seeded or chicken-wire panes — looks great in new kitchen cabinets;
  • Panel a den wall with peeling painted siding from an old barn;
  • Reclaim antique brick or stone to create a patio wall or pave a small entry;
  • Create porch columns from older pilasters and stairway balusters;
  • Hang a antique framed mirror in a contemporary power room;
  • Incorporate transom windows from an aging hotel as interior accents that bring additional light into dark halls;
  • Use a serviceable chest or bookcase as a window seat or bathroom bench; extra storage is always welcome.

When renovating existing property, don’t let your vision be limited to “modernizing.” Keep all options on the table. Sometimes older is better, not only because the price is good, but because the value far outweighs the cost.

The Largest Selection of Victorian Doorknobs Online

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Now a vital part of a door, the doorknob was not patented until 1886 by Osbourne Dorsey. Prior to then, latches and locks with keys were all that kept valuables safe. The 64 years of the Victorian Era saw many decorative creations, and a surprising number of unique doorknobs were manufactured. The modern doorknob may be sleek, but it lacks the personality and bit of history that an antique doorknob brings into the home.

We carry the largest selection of antique Victorian doorknobs online, and we are currently uploading hundreds more of different varieties. To find a doorknob that fits in your home, you can begin by searching by style, finish, and composition on our website.

A few popular styles you can search for are Vernacular, Classic, Romanesque, Italian Renaissance, Greek, Rococo, Art Nouveau. Within each style, you can further specify the type of composition and finish that you’d like.

Doorknobs may also be searched by composition, majority of doorknobs we carry are made of bronze and brass, but we also have antique glass and porcelain mineral doorknobs available in large quantities.

Also available are mortise locks, both antique and modern. Our large selection of antique mortises are not all online yet, so please send a request specifying your needed size and quantity. We also have large rosettes that are paired with Kwiksets, so you can use an antique doorknob even in newer, modern doors.

Knob Design

The knob designs that we offer include: Representational, Asymmetrical, Odd Shaped, Field, Spirals & Swirls, Two-fold, Three-fold, Four-fold, Five-fold, Six-fold, Eight-fold, Radial, Concentric, Oval, & Emblematic/Fraternal.

Once you find a design that suits you, you can search by a group number, which comes from Len Blumin’s system of classification, found at https://www.antiquedoorknobs.us, which is how we categorize all decorative knobs.

Or, you can search by manufacturer, some of our most popular ones are Russell & Erwin Manufacturing Company, Penn Hardware Company, Reading Hardware Company, Branford Lock Works, P & F Corbin Company, and Norwalk Lock Company.

Olde Good Things