Victorian Architectural Hardware Appraisal

Victorian Era Chased Silver Doorknob

This item is a spherical, hollow-core doorknob or architectural finial, appearing to be crafted from sterling silver or thick silver plate. It measures approximately 2 to 2.5 inches in diameter. The decorative surface is intricately hand-chased and engraved with a botanical motif featuring four-petaled flowers, scrolling vines, and textured foliage. The base of the globe features a gadrooned or fluted collar, providing a transition to the mounting point. Accompanying the knob is a small, threaded brass machine screw, likely used to secure the knob to a spindle or bracket. The craftsmanship suggests a high-quality late 19th-century Victorian aesthetic, characterized by dense naturalistic ornamentation. The condition shows a significant aged patina with dark oxidation in the recessed areas of the engraving, which helps define the pattern. There is visible surface wear and minor scuffing consistent with regular handle use. No clear maker's marks or hallmarks are visible in the current orientation, though they are often located near the collar or spindle hole. The overall construction highlights mid-to-high-end domestic hardware from the 1880-1900 period.