How to Find Antique Door Locks

If you love the look of an antique door locks and want to integrate them into your decor, it can be a little tricky finding just the right fixture to fit your style. Following these easy steps you will be able to find the right antique for the right door in your home or project.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Size of door and diameter of existing doorknob

1. If you already have in mind the style and finish of antique door lock you would like to add to your decor or are looking for a replacement, research the different styles and architectural/cultural designs of door locks online and find a few good images of your ideal hardware and if possible print them out to have in hand.

2. Next determine what kind of door you have and whether your fixture will work in your current door or whether you will have to obtain a new door entirely. Research the specifics of what kind of locks fit what kind of doors and make your decision based on your budget and style need.

3. A great resource for antiques can be sites on collecting, or joining newsgroups that center around collecting. If you have a niche you are looking for, I guarantee that someone out there is either looking for the same thing or interested in the same type of project. Collaborate with the online community and post in forums, both local and global to narrow down your search.

4. After you have determined some more specific information about your lock and door, a great resource to look for antiques is on Ebay.com, but be specific as it may be hard to find exactly what you are looking for using broad terms such as antique door lock as a general search term. Know what style, finish, color, or fixture you are looking for and go for a more direct approach.

5. Use an online directory or your phone book to find antique shops nearby you. Calling ahead to inquire if they have any door locks in stock can be a good way to save yourself the trip and the gas, but many just enjoy the thrill of the hunt.

6. If you cannot find what you need in any of these other markets place out a want ad in either Craigslist, collecting sites, or perhaps visit your local hardware store to see if you can find a replica of an antique that will fit your needs just as well as a real antique. Many shops carry quality replicas and can help you with your search.

Tips & Warnings

• Know as much information about what style, period, finish, and look you are searching for before you go out on the town. The more specific and informed you are about what you want, the easier it will be for you to convey your idea and need to a merchant or to another collector online.
• Antique door locks can also serve as beautiful additions with a little creativity such as coat racks, furniture additions or embellishments. Be creative with the lock if it happens to not fit your fixture, and find a way to use it in other ways as a decorative accessory.
• If you are quick to buy a fixture because it is simply pretty or you think it may possibly work, make sure you do your research because many antique door locks will not adapt to modern fixtures and may cause you more trouble than you are willing to deal with.

Resources

• Antique Homewares and Fixtures
• Link to Collectors Sites and Forums
• Great Site For Antique Hardware and A Great Catalog