Cut Glass Knobs Appraisal

Vintage Clear Cut Glass and Brass Door Knobs (Pair)

This is a pair of vintage clear cut glass door knobs, each featuring a distinct faceted design. The knobs are constructed primarily from clear, colorless glass, exhibiting a brilliant transparency. The glass portion of each knob is intricately molded, with vertical fluting or ribbing around the central, bulbous section, terminating in a smaller, circular, faceted face that would be grasped by hand. The base of the glass knob, where it attaches to the door mechanism, is surrounded by an old, tarnished brass or bronze escutcheon. This metal component shows significant signs of age and wear, including discoloration, pitting, and areas where the finish has worn off, revealing a darker, perhaps base metal, underneath. The edge of the brass ring appears to have a subtle beaded or textured pattern. There are visible chips and rough edges on the glass where it meets the metal, particularly on the lower knob, suggesting either manufacturing imperfections, wear from use, or damage over time. The overall style suggests an early 20th-century aesthetic, likely between the 1900s and 1940s, characteristic of architectural hardware from that period. The craftsmanship, particularly the precision of the glass cutting, indicates a certain quality for mass-produced items of that era. Despite the tarnishing and minor chips, the glass remains largely clear, allowing light to refract beautifully through its facets. This pair would have been used for interior doors, adding a touch of elegance and period authenticity.