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One of many desirable lots is the Motherhood knob, complete with proper back plate, in extremely good condition. This entry size door knob is cast from solid bronze and is one of series of “medallion" style knobs designed by the Metallic Compression Casting Company of Boston but actually brought to the market by Russell and Erwin in the early 1870s.
Only two examples of this doorknob are known among collectors and both sold for more than $2500. Strong bidding is expected for this fine example that retains its crisp, original casting details and has a rich, nut brown patina.
A sneak preview gallery is now open at WebWilson.com for pre-auction browsing.
A second lot that is sure to create competition is a complete front door set of the Geisha Girl pattern, also by Russell and Erwin, but from the early 1880s. The doorknobs in this pattern are convex, like the under side of a parasol, and in the center is a Japanese woman dressed in a kimono. One of the interesting details of this hardware suite is that the women on the outside entry knob and the woman on the inside passage knob each has a different hair style.
The Geisha girl entry or front door set offered in this AntiquesYes.com Auction also includes a front door plate that features blue birds, potted plants, and a Japanese fan for a keyhole cover. In addition, the winning high bidder will take home the mortise lock, complete with strike plate, both of which are cast with figural and floral motifs.
WebWilson.com produced their first antique hardware auction in 1995 and from the start they have built a reputation for quality, integrity, and record setting prices. They sold the first “doggie” door knob for $3600 in 1996, and a few years later, sold a rare variation of the doggie design for more than $8000. In 2005 Web Wilson’s Internet auctions set the current world record doorknob price when they sold an MCCC Standing Elk knob for $9450.
Also in 2005, Web Wilson worked with a group of professional antiques dealers to launch AntiquesYes.com, a vetted on line auction site with many custom features such as anonymous bidders and an extended bidding option.
The April 19, 2007 Rare Hardware Auction may not set a new price record, but there will be several exceptional door knobs that rarely, if ever, come to market. Some of these lots include a lion knob and a warrior knob from Mallory Wheeler, an entry size hex knob with a footed shank, an Urcola pattern passage knob that looks like a bear claw, and a silver plated front door escutcheon from the 1860s that has parallel keyways.
WebWilson.com is considered the premiere Internet destination for all those seeking to learn about and to purchase antique builders’ hardware, and in addition to a virtual museum, visitors to the site will find links to many hardware buyers and sellers.
Web Wilson’s Rare Antique Hardware Auction will open for bidding on Thursday evening, April 19th and will close one week later on Thursday, April 26. Lots close at one minute intervals and there are no hidden reserves.
Register and you will be ready to bid when the auction opens.
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