ANTIQUE DOORKNOB COLLECTORS OF AMERICA

Doorknob Categories

Doorknob collectors want to be able to identify and communicate with each other about the knobs they are collecting. Therefore, the Antique Doorknob Collectors of America uses a system of classification letter and numbers developed by Leonard Blumin in his book Victorian Decorative Art, published in 1982. This book has been expanded over several editions, and is the basis for the www.antiquedoorknobs.us website, which identifies more than 2,600 different designs.
  
The knobs are not only grouped according to their appearance, but also by the school of design, manufacturer, and the date they appeared in a catalog. The classifications shown below are based on the general appearance of the knob, as indicated by the letter code. The knobs depicted show the manufacturer and VDA identification number. Click the letter or photograph below to be taken to the www.antiquedoorknobs.us website page to view all of the knobs from that classification, or click the VDA identification number at right to see more information about the knob pictured.

A

Representative

Knobs with recognizable designs of animals, people, or objects on them.

Manufactured by
Russell & Erwin

A-11700

B

Asymmetric

Knobs with a single overall design on the surface.

Manufactured by
Sargent

B-10600

C

Odd Shaped

These knobs are generally neither a round or oval knob that you generally think of. May be a handle of some sort, hexagonal, curvaceous, or rectangular.

Manufactured by
Yale & Towne

C-11600

D

Field or Diaper

Knobs with an overall pattern that does not fit into another description.

Manufactured by
Hopkins & Dickinson

D-11110

E

Spirals & Swirls

These knobs are just what they say. The pattern is in the form of a spiral or swirl.

Manufactured by
P. E. Guerin

E-16700

F

Twofold Symmetry

Knobs having an identical pattern that is repeated only once.

Manufactured by
P. & F. Corbin

F-21500

G

Threefold Symmetry

The same pattern is repeated three times.

Manufactured by
Chicago Hardware

G-14200

H

Fourfold Symmetry

Perhaps the most common of formats, the image appears four times on the knob.

Manufactured by
J. B. Schroder

H-13000

I

Fivefold Symmetry

Less popular format. A pattern repeated five times on the knob

Manufactured by
Penn Hardware

I-13510

J

Sixfold Symmetry

Again, the pattern is repeated six times. Not as common

Manufactured by
Parker & Whipple

J-12200

K

Eightfold Symmetry

Pattern repeated eight times

Manufactured by
Mallory Wheeler

K-23400

L

Radial Patterns

Note the pattern emanates from the center outward to the edge of the knob.

Manufactured by
Enoch Robinson

L-12500

M

Concentric Patterns

These patterns form concentric circles from the center to the edge of the knob.

Manufactured by
A. G. Newman

M-12000

N

Oval Knobs

Knobs are oval in shape and may have any type of design on them.

Manufactured by
P. & F. Corbin

N-15900

P-100

Seals

Knobs featuring seals of official organizations, which are generally governmental.

Manufactured by
Hopkins & Dickinson

P-10130

P-200

Symbols, Logos, Words & Numbers

As stated above, knobs featuring organizational symbols, names, or addresses.

Manufactured by
Russell & Erwin

P-20180

P-400

Multi-Letters

Knobs with monograms of two or more letters, usually depicting the building name or owner.

Manufactured by
Yale & Towne

P-47410

P-600

Schools & Colleges

Knobs for school or college buildings. The general design at right was manufactured by several hardware companies.

Manufactured by
Unknown

P-60070

P-700

Single Letters

Knobs with a single letter, often the building or owner name.

Manufactured by
Reading Hardware

P-72500

P-800

Fraternal & Service

Knobs depicting the logos of fraternal or service organizations and clubs.

Manufactured by
J. B. Schroder

P-80540

V

Composite Knobs

Knobs made from wood pulp and other materials.

Manufactured by
Dibble Manufacturing

V-20300

W

Wooden Knobs

Knobs carved from wood.

Manufactured by
Ornamental Wood Company

W-10410