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Olde Good Things

Architectural and Altered Antiques

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!

Olde Good Things, New York Stores

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Brick & Mortar Stores

Olde Good Things had its mere beginnings in NYC during the heyday of the Chelsea Antique Market in the early 90’s and then opened its first retail store on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn in 1995. Today, 24 years later, you can visit our four brick and mortar retail locations, including one “pop-up” store at 71 Eighth Avenue between West 13th and 14th Street. Visit each one location and see if we don’t live up to our “humble boast” of being “the most interesting stores in New York City!” Our largest New York Store located conveniently near Union Square. This store features the largest assortment of original hardware. Our Upper West Side, Broadway location has the best assortment of marble mantels and large chandeliers and our Lower East Side, Bowery location has a wide assortment of smaller practical original lighting.  Our pop-up store, 8th Ave has an interesting variety of decorative items and furniture. Come see us at each location to get the full Olde Good Things experience!

Salvaged Treasures

Each store has a personality of its own, with a variety of original lighting, architectural elements including mantels, doors, glass, hardware as well as our unique line of altered antique furnishings including mirrors, tables and shelving. You will also find vintage, industrial and mid-century original furniture and decorative furnishings. Presently featured in each store is a wide assortment of items reclaimed from the famous Waldorf Astoria Hotel, which is now undergoing a major renovation. You will find from this New York City landmark, original marble and wooden mantels from for instance, the “Cole Porter Suite.” You will also find doors from the “Marilyn Monroe Suite” and lighting from almost every suite and hallway as well as conference and ballroom lighting including chandeliers from the Starlight Room. Kitchen and service items available including flatware, silver plated serving bowls and platters, many with the Waldorf signature. Special feature is the bar reclaimed from the famous Bull & Bear restaurant, if interested ask here. Too many interesting things to list!

Reclaimed Vintage Wired Glass

Olde Good Things also specializes in vintage wire glass reclaimed from windows and skylights of industrial buildings and skyscrapers. You will find samples of this glass at each of the stores. Special feature at this time is huge sheets (4 ft x 7 ft) of clear chicken wire glass from Rockefeller Center. Ask about our special service of frosting this glass as well. Visit www.oldegoodglass.com for more information.

More Ways to Shop

Olde Good Things has been reclaiming architectural items for a quarter of a century. If you need doors, plumbing, stained glass, a special doorknob or plate, you could very well find exactly what you are looking for in one of these stores. But if not, don’t be dismayed, we have two vast warehouses in Scranton, Pennsylvania chock full of every architectural item imaginable as well as an extensive website with over 16,000 items at www.oldegoodthings.com. Your salesperson at the retail store, can help you find what you are looking for and possibly even arrange to bring it in on our truck that goes back and forth at least once a week.

NYC Show Truck

Have you ever seen the most interesting truck in New York? Follow the lion to one of our stores today.

Hope to see you soon!

Top 10 European Made Gifts

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For over 10 years now, we have received a shipments of Vintage/Antique inventory directly from Europe. Items ranging from furniture, lighting, hardware, art & collectibles. This holiday season we picked the top 10 list of the European gifts for you.

1. European Red Yellow & Black Metal Ribbons – View now.  Shop all European decorative metal pieces, here.

2. Figural Ceramic Tile in Blue, Black & Brown with Lion Rampant – View now. 

 

3.Vintage Brown Coin Savings Bank – View now.

 

4. Leather Club Vintage Chairs – View now.  Shop all Club chairs, here.

 

5. Figural Mantel Mirror with Lion Head – View now.  Shop all European mirrors, here.

 

6. Vintage Imported Nervous System School Poster – View now. Shop all posters, here.

 

7. Six Light Wrought Iron & Oak Chandelier – View now. Shop all European lighting, here.

 

8. European Chrome Double Hook Plank – View now.  Shop all Hooks & Racks, here.

 

9. Imported Oak Vintage Table Top Display Case – View now.

 

10. French Labromagerie Lehagre Cheese Cardboard Sign – View now. Shop all advertisements, here.

Top 10 Gifts from the Waldorf Astoria

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It’s no secret now, that we are the company that acquired a good amount of the New York City Waldorf Astoria’s mantels, lighting, restaurant supplies & architectural pieces. We have been steadily inventory items making them available to purchased online and in-store. Since the holidays being right around the corner, we compiled a list of the Top 10 Gifts we have available from the Waldorf Astoria. Each gift comes with an authenticity card upon purchasing. These are great gifts for couples who stayed in the hotel often or had special events there through the years. If you see a gift worth giving, scroll to the bottom and grab the 15% off coupon code and save on any Waldorf item. It’s our special holiday thanks!!

1. Salvaged Waldorf Bronze Swan Curtain Tie Back Hook  – View now   There is also a polished brass style available in stock. View now

 

2.  Salvaged Waldorf Silver Plated Ornate Doorbell with White Button – View now  There is also a black button style available. View Now

 

3. Waldorf Astoria Original Tea Pitcher – View now   There is 3 different styles of pitchers available in stock. View all of them.

 

4. Waldorf Silver Plated Open Slotted End Tongs – View Now  There several styles of tongs from the Waldorf. View Now

 

5. Salvaged Waldorf 5 Piece Flatware Art Deco Place Setting – View Now  There are many sets and singles available to purchase in this style. View now

 

6. Salvaged Waldorf Modern Sambonet 5 Piece Flatware Set – View now.  There are many sets and singles available to purchase in this style. View now.

 

7. Salvaged Stamped Waldorf Astoria Art Deco Oval Serving Tray – View Now  There are other styles of trays & platters available. View Now.

 

8. Salvaged Waldorf Scalloped Oval Serving Bowl – View Now

 

9. Waldorf Steel Room Key Tag – View Now

 

10. Salvaged Waldorf Astoria Stainless Steel Cake Sever – View now

 

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.

How to Install Antique and Vintage Doorknobs

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As the #1 ranked architectural salvage company in the country, we are overflowing with incredible vintage and antique goods. One of our most popular salvaged pieces are vintage and antique doorknobs. We have beautiful honeycomb type mercury dot antique doorknobs circa 1800s, we recently salvaged a collection of milk glass vintage doorknobs, and there are a number of deliciously antique Victorian ‘Loraine’ door knobs just waiting for you to come and take them home.

 

Vintage door knob screwIf you are lucky enough to find the perfect a set of antique or vintage doorknobs at one of our locations you might be at a loss as to how to install them properly on your own (most people are understandably ignorant in antique hardware installation). Well, in order to please our esteemed customers we are offering you this how-to blog post so that you can learn how to install your own doorknobs.

Most antique doorknobs are similar in their mechanisms which means that this installation method will work on most of the doorknobs you’ll find in our stores. These how-to instructions are for antique doorknobs with two glass top knobs and a connecting spindle – you’ll also need a back plate or rosette (we have a great selection of those as well) and a mortise latch, purchased from a local hardware store.

Step 1

  • The connecting rods on the glass top doorknobs are usually the threaded type with screws the base of each knob. These screws are there to keep the knobs in place. Using a flat head screw driver, loosen and then remove the screws on one side of the rod until you are able to twist one of the knobs from the rod.

Step 2

  • Remove the knob from one end of the rod. If the rod is rusted into the base of the knob you can use a set of pliers to loosen and then remove the rod.

Step 3

  • Using manufacturer instructions, install the mortise latch in your door. This is a special latch that allows you to install antique and vintage knobs with square spindles into modern doors.

Step 4

  • Place your chosen back plate or rosette on one side of the door and insert the rod through the back plate and mortise latch and out the other side of the door. Do not screw the back plate on yet, you will do this once the knob has been reattached to the rod.

Step 5

  • Reattach the glass top antique doorknob to the other side of the rod. Replace the screws and tighten until knob functions without wiggling.

Step 6

  • Screw the back plate onto each side of the door.

Voila! You have installed your own antique or vintage doorknob! Don’t you feel accomplished? Antique doorknobs are meant to be admired. They are functional, but they are also showpieces and conversation starters. Our wide selection of salvaged doorknobs offers our customers the ability to mix and match their collections so they can design doors that set off the décor of the room even before guests enter them.

If, after reading this blog post, you are still unsure about how to install your doorknob, feel free to contact us, or visit one of our locations and speak with one of our staff. Send us a picture of your door or set to identify the key components you will need to complete your set. Send at [email protected]

Shop our large antique doors collection online
Match Your Antique Hardware at Olde Good Things

Industrial Style Dining Room Tables at Olde Good Things

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Who would have dreamed that interiors once reserved for factories and warehouses would one day grace our living spaces? The industrial style movement has taken the design world by storm — and we love it! Here at Olde Good Things, our salvage team seeks out the industrial with our careful excavations of historic buildings.

 

Not only is the loft look the epitome of sleek and modern, it adds a simple, utilitarian vibe to household effects. By combining the durability of historic craftsmanship with contemporary design, hard, manufactured edges with soft, discreet undertones, the industrial living space achieves a robust balance between nature and the innovation of man.

The secret to achieving this ambience is by using open space as a design element and breaking up the space with a few signature items. The industrial look may include, but is not limited to: marine salvage, industrial carts, pulleys, salvage machine bases, and salvage lockers illuminated by industrial lighting fixtures. Lighting can be achieved by utilizing overhead holophane fixtures from a factory, or repurposed steel cage sconces. Earthy elements like copper, tin, iron, and corrugated metal are salvaged from the discard pile and made by Olde Good Things shops into mirrors and furniture.

Custom Industrial Tables

One of the most highly revered pieces of the modern design aesthetic is the custom, industrial style dining room table. Olde Good Things prides itself on repurposing pieces of unassuming, natural materials into beloved and substantial tables. Custom tables can feature surfaces constructed of reclaimed wood or steel, paired with steel or cast iron legs. Clients have the option of ordering matching wood benches to complement their custom industrial dining table. Tables are made-to-order with a 6-8 week production time. Table top sizes can be customized to fit need and usage.

For a custom piece of history like the rustic table, Olde Good Things offers a selection of pine, oak, maple, walnut, and steel for the surface. Slabs are available in smooth, rustic, or semi-rustic textures with a selection of stain colors. Cast iron or steel legs serve as a base.

To learn more about our distinctive crafting process, visit our website page here, or come see us in person at our Scranton, Pennsylvania warehouse.

Olde Good Things