Door Furniture

For centuries, the main door to a house was latched from the inside with a bar, although both the Romans and the Greeks had used key-controlled locks. Door handles made of wood were used by the Ancient Egyptians, but the inventor of the door knob is unknown. The first US patent for a door knob was granted to one Osbourn Dorsey, an African American, in 1878.

By contrast, door knockers found in Macedonia dated back to around 400 BC, although there are few surviving door knockers that date back earlier than the Middle Ages. They would have been expensive crafted items, and probably beyond the means of most people to afford. Mass produced door knockers began to appear in the Georgian era.

The following suggestions should only be used on brass items, do not apply if the object is made from other metals or there are stones inset into the item.

If the brass is old, first clean with a mild detergent to remove dirt. Add a small amount of vinegar if the brass is very dirty. Use an old toothbrush to remove the dirt. Dry thoroughly.

Polish brass with brass polish liquid or cloths, or if unavailable, try rubbing with a soft cloth dipped in lemon juice or olive oil. Remove by buffing with a dry cloth.