Doorknob with Plate by Gilbert

Doorknob with Plate by Gilbert

White enamel doorknob with a medallion in center and cast iron matching plate made by Gilbert 1876-1880. The plate has a coppery finish with black japanned background. Based on a patent by Gilbert for the latch function. Some japanning and finish is lost and there is some wear to the enamel on the doorknob. This is an antique item and may show wear due to age. This may include scratches, pitting, patina, finish loss, rust or other general wear. We attempt to include any significant damage beyond regular wear within the description. We make every effort to clean as much paint, dirt and rust off of items while still leaving as much of the original patina as possible. Photos shown are of actual item you will receive. 

Gilbert Lock

The Gilbert Lock is patented in 1876 to Orvellas Henry Gilbert and by 1879 he established the Gilbert Lock Company based on his patent. The company was in Newark, NJ. The lock and hardware is unique and not interchangeable with other brands. The patent and products produced by Gilbert were also produced by Branford, which seems to have some ownership of the patent itself. When Branford is purchased by Yale & Towne, Gilbert became entangled in a dispute over the patent rights and eventually in 1896 the company went under.