{"title":"Historic Building Hardware","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"original-late-19th-century-ornamental-cast-iron-wainwright-building-monogrammed-doorknob","title":"original late 19th century ornamental cast iron wainwright building monogrammed doorknob","description":"c. 1891 ornamental cast iron monogrammed doorknob salvaged from a wainwright building interior office door. retains the original bower \u0026amp; barff \"rustproof\" finish. the doorknob was manufactured by the yale \u0026amp; towne mfg. co., stamford, ct. unique embossed lettering with heavily beaded rim. the wainwright building is a 10-story red-brick office building located in downtown st. louis, missouri. built in 1890-91 and designed by dankmar adler and louis sullivan, it was among the first skyscrapers in the world. it was named for local financier ellis wainwright. it is described as \"a highly influential prototype of the modern office building\" by the national register of historic places. architect frank lloyd wright called the wainwright building \"the very first human expression of a tall steel office-building as architecture.\" aesthetically, the wainwright building exemplifies sullivan's theories about the tall building, which included a tripartite (three-part) composition (base-shaft-attic), and his desire to emphasize the height of the building. he wrote: \"[the skyscraper] must be tall, every inch of it tall. the force and power of altitude must be in it the glory and pride of exaltation must be in it. it must be every inch a proud and soaring thing, rising in sheer exultation that from bottom to top it is a unit without a single dissenting line.\" after a period of neglect, the building now houses missouri state offices and is well maintained. some architectural elements from the building have been removed in renovations and taken to the sauget, illinois storage site of the st. louis building arts foundation.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50668996329770,"sku":"UR-8073-10","price":795.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20101005-024m_2.jpg?v=1759976100"},{"product_id":"authentic-late-19th-century-ornamental-cast-iron-bower-barff-finish-wainwright-doorknob","title":"authentic late 19th century ornamental cast iron bower-barff finish wainwright doorknob","description":"original c. 1891 ornamental cast iron monogrammed doorknob salvaged from a wainwright building interior office door. retains the original bower \u0026amp; barff \"rustproof\" finish. the doorknob was manufactured by the yale \u0026amp; towne mfg. co., stamford, ct. unique embossed lettering with heavily beaded rim. the wainwright building is a 10-story red-brick office building located in downtown st. louis, missouri. built in 1890-91 and designed by dankmar adler and louis sullivan, it was among the first skyscrapers in the world. it was named for local financier ellis wainwright. it is described as \"a highly influential prototype of the modern office building\" by the national register of historic places. architect frank lloyd wright called the wainwright building \"the very first human expression of a tall steel office-building as architecture.\" aesthetically, the wainwright building exemplifies sullivan's theories about the tall building, which included a tripartite (three-part) composition (base-shaft-attic), and his desire to emphasize the height of the building. he wrote: \"[the skyscraper] must be tall, every inch of it tall. the force and power of altitude must be in it the glory and pride of exaltation must be in it. it must be every inch a proud and soaring thing, rising in sheer exultation that from bottom to top it is a unit without a single dissenting line.\" after a period of neglect, the building now houses missouri state offices and is well maintained. some architectural elements from the building have been removed in renovations and taken to the sauget, illinois storage site of the st. louis building arts foundation.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50668996493610,"sku":"UR-8077-10","price":795.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20101005-013m_2.jpg?v=1759976113"},{"product_id":"pair-of-original-early-20th-century-ornamental-cast-brass-chicago-city-hall-building-window-sash-pulls","title":"pair of original early 20th century ornamental cast brass chicago city hall building window sash pulls","description":"pair of original heavy ornamental cast brass historic city hall or cook county building interior window sash pulls or handles fabricated by the yale \u0026amp; towne mfg. co., stamford, ct. the neoclassical style pulls featuring intricately designed bellflowers have a nicely aged surface patina. the mammoth chicago city hall building is situated on a city block bounded by randolph, lasalle, washington, and clark streets, the 11-story structure was designed by the architectural firm holabird \u0026amp; roche in the classical revival style. the building was officially dedicated on february 27, 1911. panels sculpted in granite by john flanagan. each of the panels represents one of four principal concerns of city government: playgrounds, schools, parks, and water supply. as visitors enter the building, they are greeted with elaborate marble stairways and bronze tablets honoring the past city halls of chicago from 1837 to the present. the first major renovation project undertaken was in 1967 as major city departments, originally located outside chicago city hall, were moved in. priced for the pair.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669002588458,"sku":"UR-8142-10","price":495.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20101011-008m_2.jpg?v=1759976303"},{"product_id":"early-20th-century-city-of-chicago-city-hall-emblematic-office-door-hardware","title":"early 20th century city of chicago city hall emblematic office door hardware","description":"original c. 1911 ornamental cast brass emblematic interior office door hardware salvaged from the old cook county courthouse and\/or city of chicago city hall. the decorative backplate and doorknob were manufactured by the yale \u0026amp; towne mfg. co., stamford, ct. since 1853, the governments of chicago and cook county have shared three different buildings on this site. the monumental, classical revival-style exterior of the present structure, which was designed to be a functional and efficient office building, symbolizes the strength, dignity, and vigor of the governmental functions it contains. the county building was completed in 1908; city hall was finished in 1911. the architectural firm was holabird and roche. backplate measures approximately 11 x 3 1\/2 inches and doorknob measures 2 1\/4 inches in diameter.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669170819370,"sku":"UR-9573-11","price":325.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20110314-020n_2.jpg?v=1759981186"},{"product_id":"original-early-20th-century-ornamental-cast-brass-chicago-city-hall-letters-office-door-mail-slot","title":"original early 20th century ornamental cast brass chicago city hall \"letters\" office door mail slot","description":"original c. 1911 ornamental cast brass interior office door \"letters\" mailslot salvaged from the old cook county courthouse and\/or city of chicago city hall building. the neoclassical style spring-loaded letter slot was manufactured by the sargent hardware co., new haven, ct. since 1853, the governments of chicago and cook county have shared three different buildings on this site. the monumental, classical revival-style exterior of the present structure, which was designed to be a functional and efficient office building, symbolizes the strength, dignity, and vigor of the governmental functions it contains. the county building was completed in 1908; city hall was finished in 1911. the architectural firm was holabird and roche. original surface patina left untouched. measures approximately 9 x 3 1\/2 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669182943530,"sku":"UR-9751-11","price":295.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20110401-013f_2.jpg?v=1759981750"},{"product_id":"large-lot-of-100-matching-c-1920-s-cast-brass-lakeshore-drive-athletic-club-building-doorknobs-with-incised-rings","title":"large lot of 100 matching c. 1920's cast brass lakeshore drive athletic club building doorknobs with incised rings","description":"100 original c. 1920's solid cast brass doorknobs salvaged from the lakeshore drive athletic club building. the historically significant lakefront building was designed by renowned chicago architect jarvis hunt. the towering beaux-arts style building opened in 1927. each doorknob features a unique footed shank with two threaded set screws. the moderne style knobs are adorned with deeply incised graduated rings. fabricated by the russell \u0026amp; erwin mfg. co., new britain, ct. threaded solid steel spindles included. nicely aged surface patina. priced for the lot.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669419626794,"sku":"UR-11750-11","price":995.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20111017-014m_2.jpg?v=1760146205"},{"product_id":"two-matching-elaborately-designed-late-19th-century-ornamental-cast-iron-oval-shaped-monogrammed-doorknobs","title":"two matching elaborately designed late 19th century ornamental cast iron oval-shaped monogrammed doorknobs","description":"matching set of original 19th century antique american ornamental cast iron oval-shaped monogrammed doorknobs likely salvaged from a commercial building, hotel or factory office. features intricately design overlapping lettering surrounded by fanciful floral design motifs. traces of the original bower-barff \"rust-proof\" finish remains intact. likely fabricated by yale \u0026amp; towne or possibly p. f. corbin. measure 3 x 1 1\/2 inches. priced for the set.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669423690026,"sku":"UR-11809-11","price":195.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20111023-048m_2.jpg?v=1760322813"},{"product_id":"original-c-1920-s-interior-fraternal-lodge-office-door-ornamental-cast-bronze-emblematic-elks-doorknob","title":"original c. 1920's interior fraternal lodge office door ornamental cast bronze emblematic elks doorknob","description":"c. 1920's antique american interior fraternal lodge office door emblematic \"elks\" doorknob salvaged from a chicago-based lodge. the figural doorknob featuring the elks logo is comprised of cast bronze. likely fabricated around 1920-25 by the sargent hardware co., new haven, ct. the innermost ring features an elk head surrounded by a clock representing the eleven o' clock toast. the benevolent and protective order of elks (bpoe; also often known as the elks lodge or simply the elks) is an american fraternal order and social club founded in 1868. it is one of the leading fraternal orders in the u.s., claiming nearly one million members. the elks had modest beginnings in 1868 as a social club (then called the \"jolly corks\") established as a private club to elude new york city laws governing the opening hours of public taverns. after the death of a member left his wife and children without income, the club took up additional service roles, rituals and a new name. desiring to adopt \"a readily identifiable creature of stature, indigenous to america\", fifteen members voted 8-7 to favor the elk above the buffalo. early members were mostly from theatrical performing troupes in new york city. it has since evolved into a major american fraternal, charitable, and service order with more than a million members, both men and women, throughout the united states and the former territories of the philippines and the panama canal. measures approximately 2 inches in diameter.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669441024298,"sku":"UR-11931-11","price":150.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20111024-20111024-032m_2.jpg?v=1760323155"},{"product_id":"hard-to-find-early-20th-century-antique-american-cast-bronze-three-feathered-indian-figural-hotel-doorknob","title":"hard to find early 20th century antique american cast bronze \"three-feathered indian\" figural hotel doorknob","description":"original hard to find and highly sought after early 20th century ornamental cast bronze \"three feathered indian\" doorknob likely used in a commercial building or hotel. features a highly detailed bust of a native american in costume surrounding by graduating circles. the doorknob was fabricated by the sargent hardware co., new haven, ct. the original yellow brass \"wash\" or plating remains largely intact. two doorknobs available (slightly different surface patinas).","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669454852394,"sku":"UR-12084-11","price":450.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20111120-004v_2.jpg?v=1760235183"},{"product_id":"original-c-1929-ornamental-cast-bronze-new-yorker-hotel-guest-room-door-privacy-finger-latch-with-backplate","title":"original c. 1929 ornamental cast bronze new yorker hotel guest room door privacy finger latch with backplate","description":"original late 1920's ornamental cast bronze historic hotel new yorker maid service thumb turn latch with backplate. likely manufactured by the sargent hardware co., new haven, ct. features a naturally aged surface patina throughout. contains a small instructional enclosure with celluloid inset. the medallion-shaped interior guest room door plaque features a anthemion flanked by floriated scroll work. the banner below reads \"the new yorker (hotel)\"  in deeply incised lettering. rotating turn latch original and intact. the 43-story new yorker hotel (481 eighth avenue, new york city) was built in 1929 and opened its doors on january 2, 1930. it was designed by the architectural firm of sugarman and berger. much like its contemporaries, the empire state building (opened in 1931) and the chrysler building (opened in 1930), the new yorker is designed in the art deco style that was popular in the 1920s and 1930s. the building's pyramidal, set-back tower structure largely resembles that of the empire state building, which lies just a couple of blocks east on 34th street. for many years, the new yorker hotel was new york's largest hotel with 2,500 rooms. in addition to the ballrooms there were ten private dining \"salons\" and five restaurants employing 35 chefs. the barber shop was one of the largest in the world with 42 chairs and 20 manicurists. there were 92 telephone operators and 150 laundry staff washing as many as 350,000 pieces daily. throughout the 1940s and 1950s the hotel hosted a number of popular big bands while notable figures such as spencer tracy, joan crawford and even fidel castro stayed here. the inventor nikola tesla spent the last ten years of his life in near-seclusion in suite 3327 (where he also died), largely devoting his time to feeding pigeons while occasionally meeting dignitaries. however, by the late 1960s, with both the passing of the big band era as well as the construction of more modern hotels, the hotel slowly lost profitability and closed its doors in april 1972. different proposals were offered for the use of the building, and in 1975 it was purchased by the unification church for $5,600,000. the church converted much of the building for church uses. under new management and following extensive renovation, the new yorker hotel re-opened its doors as a hotel on 1 june 1994. measures approximately  6 x 3 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669459210538,"sku":"UR-12150-11","price":250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20111127-20111127-070f_3.jpg?v=1760411287"},{"product_id":"c-1910-original-antique-american-neoclassical-style-ornamental-cast-bronze-chicago-bank-building-unit-lock-set","title":"c. 1910 original antique american neoclassical style ornamental cast bronze chicago bank building \"unit lock set\"","description":"intact and functional c. 1910 antique american neoclassical style interior chicago bank building office door \"unit lock set.\" contains a naturally aged surface patina. the square backplates contain detailed bayleaf borders with floral rosettes located in each of the corners. the lock unit remains in excellent working condition. the doorknob contains a centrally located keyhole surrounded by a bayleaf border. fabricated by the p. \u0026amp; f. corbin co., new britain, ct. measures approximately 5 1\/4 x 4 1\/4 with a doorknob diameter of 2 1\/4 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669473005866,"sku":"UR-12287-11","price":150.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20111213-018m_2.jpg?v=1760235625"},{"product_id":"unique-c-1920-s-ornamental-cast-bronze-emblematic-fraternal-scottish-rite-interior-church-building-doorknob-with-naturally-aged-patina","title":"unique c. 1920's ornamental cast bronze emblematic fraternal \"scottish\" rite interior church building doorknob with naturally aged patina","description":"original c. 1920's heavy ornamental cast bronze antique doorknob removed from the old scottish rite cathedral located in indianapolis, in. the emblematic doorknob features the double-headed eagle of lagash, used as an emblem by the scottish rite of freemasonry. the date of its introduction into freemasonry is not clear, but it may have been first used in france to symbolize the councils of the east and west. another theory is that it was adapted from the arms of the austrian state, to gain the favor of the ruling family. the scottish rite cathedral is a historic building in downtown indianapolis, indiana, united states. it is owned by the valley of indianapolis scottish rite, an affiliated body of freemasonry. it was built between 1927 and 1929 at the cost of $2.5 million. it was built with every measurement being evenly divisible by three (reflecting the three degrees in freemasonry), with many being divisible by 33 (reflecting the degrees a member of the scottish rite can achieve). the cathedral is the largest masonic building, and considered by many as the finest example of neo-gothic architecture, in the united states. the main tower features a 54-bell carillon and rises 212 feet above indianapolis. it also has a floating ballroom. other features are patterned ceilings, ornate carved woodwork, and artistic stained-glass windows. the auditorium has 1200 seats, and has been called a beautiful testimony to craftsmanship. it also has a large pipe organ. the main entrance is known as the tiler's room, which is a cube of 33 feet. it features both masonic symbols and the signs of the zodiac. the ballroom again reflects the number 33 by being 99 feet square, pillars defining the dancing area as 66 feet square, and the white oak floor panels are 33 inches square. the chandelier has 200 lights and weighs 2500 pounds. the ballroom was done in elizabethan architecture. the interior passage door handle was manufactured by the sargent hardware co. measures 2 1\/4 inches in diameter.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669524877610,"sku":"UR-12731-12","price":495.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20120129-001m_2.jpg?v=1760412777"},{"product_id":"large-lot-of-matching-american-19th-century-interior-monadnock-building-closet-or-utility-door-cast-iron-doorknob-backplates","title":"large lot of matching american 19th century interior monadnock building closet or utility door cast iron doorknob backplates","description":"group of matching late 19th century ornamental cast iron interior utility and\/or closet door backplates removed from the c. 1889 monadnock building designed by architects burnham and root. each backplate features intricately designed gothic design elements and\/or tracery in relief. manufactured by the reading hardware co., reading, pa. the monadnock building is a historic proto-skyscraper in the loop district of downtown chicago, illinois. it is arguably the world's first skyscraper. the monadnock is the tallest commercial building in the world with masonry load-bearing walls. it is located at 53 west jackson blvd. the seventeen-story building stands 197 feet tall. the northern half was designed and built by burnham \u0026amp; root in 18891891; the southern half was designed and built by holabird \u0026amp; roche in 18911893. the northern half of the monadnock represents the last chicago skyscraper built using load-bearing wall construction; in order for the structure to support its own weight, the walls at the base of the structure are six feet thick. the building was so heavy that it sank into the ground after it was built, requiring steps to be installed at the entrances. the walls then curve in slightly at the second story, and flare out at the top of the building, lending it a form similar to that of an egyptian pylon. architect john root's initial plans for the building included additional egyptian embellishment, but the developer insisted that the building have no ornament. the southern half of the building was built using the more technologically advanced steel frame construction, which allowed narrower piers and wider windows. the radical difference in construction between the two halves marks the building's place in architectural history at the end of one building tradition and the beginning of another. the building's name is taken from the new hampshire mountain that gave its name to the geological term indicating a freestanding mountain surrounded by a plain. measure approximately 8 x2  inches. priced for the lot.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669569212714,"sku":"UR-13069-12","price":525.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20120301-014m_2.jpg?v=1760413696"},{"product_id":"late-19th-century-american-gothic-style-ornamental-cast-iron-interior-fisher-building-office-door-letters-mail-slot","title":"late 19th century american gothic style ornamental cast iron interior fisher building office door \"letters\" mail slot","description":"c. 1896 american ornamental cast iron gothic revival style fisher building interior office door \"letters\" mailslot. the original bower-barff black enameled \"rustproof\" finish was painted over in an old gold enamel. the spring-loaded hinged flap remains in working condition. fabricated by the yale and towne mfg. co., stamford, ct. the historic fisher building is a 20-story neo-gothic landmark building commissioned by paper magnate lucius fisher. the original building was completed in 1896 by d.h. burnham \u0026amp; company with an addition latter added in 1907. though a project of d.h. burnham \u0026amp; company, the original structure was designed by charles atwood. in 1906, an addition on the northern side of the building raised it from 18 to 20 stories. a former employee of the burnham firm, peter j. weber, designed and oversaw the building's addition which was completed in 1907. measures 8 1\/4 x 2 5\/8 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669574979882,"sku":"UR-13102-12","price":250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20120304-006c_2.jpg?v=1760237818"},{"product_id":"original-late-19th-century-ornamental-cast-iron-orleans-pattern-chicago-commercial-building-window-sash-pull-or-handle","title":"original late 19th century ornamental cast iron \"orleans\" pattern chicago commercial building window sash pull or handle","description":"all original late 19th century ornamental cast iron oversized window sash pull salvaged from a downtown chicago commercial building. the handle was fabricated by the chicago hardware co., chicago, il. the pattern is known as \"orleans.\" retains the original bower \u0026amp; barff \"rustproof\" black enameled finish. measures approximately 7 x 1 3\/4 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669622722858,"sku":"UR-13581-12","price":125.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20120409-20120409-002n_2.jpg?v=1760151288"},{"product_id":"original-ornamental-cast-iron-19th-century-chicago-reliance-office-building-interior-doorknob-backplate-with-fanciful-volutes","title":"original ornamental cast iron 19th century chicago reliance office building interior doorknob backplate with fanciful volutes","description":"original late 19th century ornamental cast iron doorknob backplate removed from the c. 1890-95 reliance building during renovations. the elegantly designed escutcheon was fabricated by the yale \u0026amp; towne mfg. co., stamford, ct. the reliance building is the first skyscraper to have large plate glass windows make up the majority of its surface area, foreshadowing a feature of skyscrapers that would become dominant in the 20th century. the building was designed by charles b. atwood of daniel h. burnham's architectural firm, with e.c. shankland as engineer. its basement and ground floor, designed by john wellborn root, were constructed in 1890, while the upper three stories of the building previously on the site remained suspended above on jackscrews. the addition of the remaining floors in 1894-1895 completed the building and marked the \"first comprehensive achievement\" of the chicago construction method. the building's plate-glass windows are set within a tiled facade. its steel-frame superstructure is built atop concrete caissons sunk as much as 125 feet beneath the footing. the reliance building has been called \"proto-modernist\" in its lack of the hierarchy found in classical facades. its stacks of projecting bay windows and terra cotta cladding create an effect of extraordinary lightness. it was a direct precursor of the all-glass friedrichstrasse skyscraper proposed by mies van der rohe in 1921. measures 8 x 2 1\/2 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669699596586,"sku":"UR-14328-12","price":45.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20120703-026m_2.jpg?v=1760241505"},{"product_id":"group-of-four-original-late-19th-century-interior-reliance-building-office-door-ornamental-cast-iron-hinges-with-ball-finials","title":"group of four original late 19th century interior reliance building office door ornamental cast iron hinges with ball finials","description":"lot of four matching c. 1895 antique american interior reliance building office door ornamental cast iron door hings designed and fabricated by the yale \u0026amp; towne mfg. co., stamford, ct. the loose pin passage door hinges retain the original bower-barff baked enameled finish. the ball finials are original and intact. several matching hinges available. priced for the lot. in 1890, real estate speculator william hale commissioned architects daniel burnham and john wellborn root to draw up plans for a new building located at the corner of state and washington streets (hale became acquainted with burnham \u0026amp; root from his other real estate projects, such as the rookery building). the architectural firm of burnham \u0026amp; root were renowned locally for designing several commercial buildings found throughout downtown chicago. root developed the floating raft system, which enabled designers to build large, steel-frame buildings on a reinforced concrete foundation, a necessity in chicago's moist soil. root and hale agreed that the new building needed to have large glass windows on the first floor with large, open spaces. hale intended to have several stories dedicated to smaller tenants, with offices for doctors and dentists on the uppermost floors. he also specifically emphasized the need for natural lighting on each and every floor. the plan for the reliance building was consistent with the growing concept of the chicago school of architecture, which emphasized the importance of designing to address the function of a building. carson pirie scott \u0026amp; co. was the first tenant of the reliance building, opening a dry goods store on the first floor once it was completed in 1891. after root's untimely death, daniel burnham recruited boston architect charles b. atwood to complete the building with e. c. shankland as lead engineer. atwood was able to implement his own design for the rest of the structure, using white glazed architectural terra-cotta cladding (on the two street facades) fabricated by the northwestern terra cotta company of chicago. burnham's building contractor of choice was george a. fuller, who had built the majority of chicago's tall office building throughout the latter half of the 19th century. the slender sixteen story steel frame skeleton was erected with unusual rapidity (completed over fifteen days in 1894). the reliance building, so named for its functionality, opened in march 1895. it was one of the first skyscrapers to offer electricity and phone service in all of its offices. in its first few decades, it provided office space for merchants and health professionals. the interior contained four passenger elevators located close to the entrance. the german gothic style elevator cages and surrounding grillework, comprised of ornamental iron with bower-barff finish, were fabricated by the winslow brothers of chicago. dark-stained mahogany woodwork was used throughout the building. the stairway, including newel posts, balustrade panels, stringers and risers are made of cast iron, with designs corresponding to and\/or harmonizing with the existing ornamentation (all subjected to the bower-barff process). the building struggled during the great depression, and slowly became dilapidated. subsequent commercial alterations and signage greatly disfigured the lower floors. the original projecting cornice was removed around 1948. after caron pirie scott \u0026amp; co. left the building for the merchandise mart, the first floor was occupied by karroll's, a menswear store. however, the building struggled to maintain tenants on the upper floors. the building continued to fall into disrepair, as the small size of its retail spaces were not appealing to business interests in the late 20th century. the city of chicago made a commitment to revitalize the structure, but city hall could not agree on a plan. the debate became particularly polarized after the 1989 demolition of the nearby mccarthy building, which angered preservationists but satisfied business interests by providing space for a modern office building. finally, in 1994, the mcclier corporation collaborated with the baldwin development company to restore the reliance building; these two groups had recently worked together to rehabilitate the rookery building. the reliance building's rehabilitation was completed in 1999. the former retail space was ultimately converted into a boutique hotel. measure 5 x 5 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669888962858,"sku":"UR-15328-12","price":200.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20121013-019m_2.jpg?v=1760332493"},{"product_id":"pair-of-original-fully-functional-interior-reliance-building-ornamental-cast-iron-office-door-hinges-with-intact-bower-barff-plated-finish","title":"pair of original fully functional interior reliance building ornamental cast iron office door hinges with intact bower-barff plated finish","description":"pair of c. 1895 antique american interior reliance building office door ornamental cast iron door hings designed and fabricated by the yale \u0026amp; towne mfg. co., stamford, ct. the loose pin passage door hinges retain the original bower-barff baked enameled finish. the ball finials are original and intact. several matching hinges available. priced for the pair. in 1890, real estate speculator william hale commissioned architects daniel burnham and john wellborn root to draw up plans for a new building located at the corner of state and washington streets (hale became acquainted with burnham \u0026amp; root from his other real estate projects, such as the rookery building). the architectural firm of burnham \u0026amp; root were renowned locally for designing several commercial buildings found throughout downtown chicago. root developed the floating raft system, which enabled designers to build large, steel-frame buildings on a reinforced concrete foundation, a necessity in chicago's moist soil. root and hale agreed that the new building needed to have large glass windows on the first floor with large, open spaces. hale intended to have several stories dedicated to smaller tenants, with offices for doctors and dentists on the uppermost floors. he also specifically emphasized the need for natural lighting on each and every floor. the plan for the reliance building was consistent with the growing concept of the chicago school of architecture, which emphasized the importance of designing to address the function of a building. carson pirie scott \u0026amp; co. was the first tenant of the reliance building, opening a dry goods store on the first floor once it was completed in 1891. after root's untimely death, daniel burnham recruited boston architect charles b. atwood to complete the building with e. c. shankland as lead engineer. atwood was able to implement his own design for the rest of the structure, using white glazed architectural terra-cotta cladding (on the two street facades) fabricated by the northwestern terra cotta company of chicago. burnham's building contractor of choice was george a. fuller, who had built the majority of chicago's tall office building throughout the latter half of the 19th century. the slender sixteen story steel frame skeleton was erected with unusual rapidity (completed over fifteen days in 1894). the reliance building, so named for its functionality, opened in march 1895. it was one of the first skyscrapers to offer electricity and phone service in all of its offices. in its first few decades, it provided office space for merchants and health professionals. the interior contained four passenger elevators located close to the entrance. the german gothic style elevator cages and surrounding grillework, comprised of ornamental iron with bower-barff finish, were fabricated by the winslow brothers of chicago. dark-stained mahogany woodwork was used throughout the building. the stairway, including newel posts, balustrade panels, stringers and risers are made of cast iron, with designs corresponding to and\/or harmonizing with the existing ornamentation (all subjected to the bower-barff process). the building struggled during the great depression, and slowly became dilapidated. subsequent commercial alterations and signage greatly disfigured the lower floors. the original projecting cornice was removed around 1948. after caron pirie scott \u0026amp; co. left the building for the merchandise mart, the first floor was occupied by karroll's, a menswear store. however, the building struggled to maintain tenants on the upper floors. the building continued to fall into disrepair, as the small size of its retail spaces were not appealing to business interests in the late 20th century. the city of chicago made a commitment to revitalize the structure, but city hall could not agree on a plan. the debate became particularly polarized after the 1989 demolition of the nearby mccarthy building, which angered preservationists but satisfied business interests by providing space for a modern office building. finally, in 1994, the mcclier corporation collaborated with the baldwin development company to restore the reliance building; these two groups had recently worked together to rehabilitate the rookery building. the reliance building's rehabilitation was completed in 1999. the former retail space was ultimately converted into a boutique hotel. measure 5 x 5 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669889028394,"sku":"UR-15329-12","price":100.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20121013-022m_3.jpg?v=1760332508"},{"product_id":"matching-set-of-c-1893-interior-downtown-chicago-old-colony-building-office-door-monogrammed-cast-brass-doorknobs-with-bayleaf-border","title":"matching set of c. 1893 interior downtown chicago old colony building office door monogrammed cast brass doorknobs with bayleaf border","description":"pair of original late 19th century ornamental cast brass monogrammed doorknobs salvaged from the old colony building. each doorknob features a detailed bayleaf design along the rim. the doorknobs were designed and fabricated by the yale \u0026amp; towne mfg. co. the old colony building was designed and constructed between 1893 and 1894 by the architectural firm of holabird and roche. as chicago school architects, they sought to reveal the character of the steel skeletal structure while cladding their buildings with an appropriate surface. the 17-story steel frame building is sheathed in bedford limestone on the first three floors and by gray brick and terra cotta above that. a two-story colonnade runs along the 15th and 16th floors with a cornice crowning the 17th floor. oriel windows project from every corner of the building from the third story to the cornice. the design's unity derives from the repetition of chicago windows along the second floor and in the center bay of the north facade. variety is found in the contrast between the horizontal stress of the narrow north facade and the distinct vertical thrust of the long east and west facades. the facade of the old colony building has remained intact, although major alterations to the interior have occurred on the ground floor. the lobby's original surfaces and stairs have all been replaced and the open cages of the elevators have been enclosed. priced for the pair.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669901807914,"sku":"UR-15434-12","price":495.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20121017-20121017-028m_2.jpg?v=1760333006"},{"product_id":"original-late-19th-century-ornamental-cast-iron-interior-fisher-building-gothic-style-office-door-mailslot-chute-with-twisted-rope-border","title":"original late 19th century ornamental cast iron interior fisher building gothic style office door mailslot chute with twisted rope border","description":"late 1890's american ornamental cast iron gothic revival style fisher building interior office door \"letters\" mailslot chute with the original bower-barff black enameled \"rustproof\" finish partially intact. the chute or hood was fabricated by the yale and towne mfg. co., stamford, ct. the historic fisher building is a 20-story neo-gothic landmark building commissioned by paper magnate lucius fisher. the original building was completed in 1896 by d.h. burnham \u0026amp; company with an addition latter added in 1907. though a project of d.h. burnham \u0026amp; company, the original structure was designed by charles atwood. in 1906, an addition on the northern side of the building raised it from 18 to 20 stories. a former employee of the burnham firm, peter j. weber, designed and oversaw the building's addition which was completed in 1907. measures 8 1\/4 x 2 5\/8 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670022721834,"sku":"UR-16063-12","price":150.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20121227-004n_2.jpg?v=1760422607"},{"product_id":"set-of-original-early-20th-century-highly-ornamented-neoclassical-style-cast-brass-cook-county-building-office-window-pulls-or-handles","title":"set of original early 20th century highly ornamented neoclassical style cast brass cook county building office window pulls or handles","description":"pair of original hard to find early 20th century ornamental cast brass interior office window sash lifts or pulls salvaged from the extant downtown chicago city hall and county building. the two neoclassical style sash lifts are comprised of multiple components held together by a concealed steel rod. the richly ornate designed is most impressive. the handles were fabricated by the yale \u0026amp; towne mfg. co., stamford, ct. nicely aged surface patina throughout. since 1853, the governments of chicago and cook county have shared three different buildings on this site. the monumental, classical revival-style exterior of the present structure, which was designed to be a functional and efficient office building, symbolizes the strength, dignity, and vigor of the governmental functions it contains. the county building was completed in 1908; city hall was finished in 1911. the architectural firm was holabird and roche. measure 7 x 1 1\/2 inches. priced for the pair.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670039302442,"sku":"UR-16234-13","price":300.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20130113-017m_2.jpg?v=1760159168"},{"product_id":"original-late-19th-century-american-ornamental-cast-bronze-richardsonian-romanesque-style-city-of-minneapolis-city-hall-window-sash-pull-or-lift","title":"original late 19th century american ornamental cast bronze richardsonian romanesque style city of minneapolis city hall window sash pull or lift","description":"early 1890's antique american richardsonian romanesque style interior office window sash pull or lift salvaged from the minneapolis city hall building. the oversized window lift is comprised of cast bronze with nicely aged surface patina. the pull was designed and fabricated by the yale \u0026amp; towne mfg. co., stamford, ct. minneapolis city hall and hennepin county courthouse (also known as the \"municipal building\"), was designed by long and kees in 1888. the building replaced an earlier city hall that existed from 1873 until 1912 near the old intersection between hennepin avenue and nicollet avenue. that structure eventually was razed to make way for gateway park, which continues to occupy part of the old city hall site. the building also replaced an earlier courthouse and also the earlier hennepin county jail, which was located where the hubert h. humphrey metrodome now stands. the building, located at 350 south fifth street, is an example of richardsonian romanesque architecture. the design is based upon henry hobson richardson's allegheny county courthouse in pittsburgh, pennsylvania. washington school, the first schoolhouse in minneapolis west of the mississippi river, was demolished to make way for the new building. groundbreaking took place in 1889, and the cornerstone was laid (a story off the ground) in 1891. construction did not officially end until 1909, although the structural exterior was essentially complete by the end of 1895. the county began moving in to its side (4th ave.) shortly after that, although the city (3rd ave.) side was not fully occupied until 1906. when constructed, the building claimed to have the world's largest clock. at 23 feet, 4 inches, the faces are four inches wider than those of the great clock in london (which houses the famous hour bell big ben). the tower housing the clock reaches 345 feet in height, and was the tallest structure in the city until the 1920's when the foshay tower was built. the building is built of ortonville granite, with many stones greater than 20 tons in weight. the granite was originally only going to be used for the foundation of the building, with brick used for the upper portion. however, the public appreciated the appearance of the foundation so much that they lobbied for the entire building to be made of granite. measures 7 x 2 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670060667178,"sku":"UR-16383-13","price":450.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20130114-020m_1_2.jpg?v=1760159518"},{"product_id":"two-matching-original-c-1920-s-ornamental-cast-iron-continental-commercial-national-bank-building-interior-office-door-backplates-or-escutcheons","title":"two matching original c. 1920's ornamental cast iron continental \u0026 commercial national bank building interior office door backplates or escutcheons","description":"pair of original c. 1924 neoclassical style ornamental cast iron office door escutcheons salvaged from the extant continental \u0026amp; commercial national bank building located in downtown chicago - in an area commonly referred to as the \"la salle street canyon.\" the doorknob backplates contain a uniform brushed metal finish treated with a clear coat lacquer. manufactured by \"russwin\" or the russell \u0026amp; erwin mfg. co., new britain, ct. the continental \u0026amp; commercial national bank building was built in 1914 by the chicago architect, daniel burnham. the design pattern appears to have been specific to this building, which echoes the overall neoclassical design scheme found in both the interior and exterior of the bank. the simple yet elegant backplates contains a repeating bellflower motif border. the circular openings are designed for use with standard cylinder locks. the backplates measure approximately 10 x 3 inches. priced for the pair.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670068072746,"sku":"UR-16462-13","price":80.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20130205-008m_2.jpg?v=1760159696"},{"product_id":"set-of-matching-american-antique-early-20th-century-interior-office-door-cast-iron-doorknob-backplates-salvaged-from-the-continental-commercial-national-bank-building","title":"set of matching american antique early 20th century interior office door cast iron doorknob backplates salvaged from the continental \u0026 commercial national bank building","description":"two matching c. 1924 neoclassical style ornamental cast iron office door escutcheons salvaged from the extant continental \u0026amp; commercial national bank building located in downtown chicago - in an area commonly referred to as the \"la salle street canyon.\" the doorknob backplates contain a uniform brushed metal finish treated with a clear coat lacquer. manufactured by \"russwin\" or the russell \u0026amp; erwin mfg. co., new britain, ct. the continental \u0026amp; commercial national bank building was built in 1914 by the chicago architect, daniel burnham. the design pattern appears to have been specific to this building, which echoes the overall neoclassical design scheme found in both the interior and exterior of the bank. the simple yet elegant backplates contains a repeating bellflower motif border. the backplates measure approximately 10 x 3 1\/8 inches. priced for the pair.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670068138282,"sku":"UR-16463-13","price":80.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20130205-007m_1_2.jpg?v=1760248330"},{"product_id":"early-20th-century-original-and-intact-american-antique-salem-pattern-interior-chicago-commercial-building-ornamental-cast-iron-doorknob-set","title":"early 20th century original and intact american antique \"salem\" pattern interior chicago commercial building ornamental cast iron doorknob set","description":"original c. 1900's antique american bower-barff plated cast iron doorknobs designed and fabricated by the yale \u0026amp; towne mfg. co., new britain, ct. the hardware consists of a \"salem\" pattern doorknob on one end and an unornamented iron doorknob on the other. original steel spindle. salvaged from a chicago commercial building interior utility door. the original \"rust proof\" plating remains largely intact. priced for the set.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670079443242,"sku":"UR-16588-13","price":45.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20130218-027m_2.jpg?v=1760248699"},{"product_id":"group-of-eight-matching-diminutive-interior-lakeshore-drive-athletic-club-cast-brass-doorknobs-with-incised-rings-and-finely-turned-shanks","title":"group of eight matching diminutive interior lakeshore drive athletic club cast brass doorknobs with incised rings and finely turned shanks","description":"lot of original c. 1920's solid cast brass diminutive doorknobs salvaged from the lakeshore drive athletic club building. the historically significant lakefront building was designed by renowned chicago architect jarvis hunt. the towering beaux-arts style building opened in 1927. each doorknob features a unique footed shank with two threaded set screws. the moderne style doorknobs are accentuated with deeply incised graduated rings. fabricated by the russell \u0026amp; erwin mfg. co., new britain, ct. the refinished doorknobs have been darkened slightly with an oil-rubbed bronze metallic enameled finish. priced for the lot.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670081900842,"sku":"UR-16629-13","price":150.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20130220-022m_2.jpg?v=1760336473"},{"product_id":"rare-c-1900-s-antique-american-ornamental-cast-brass-monogrammed-city-of-chicago-public-works-administrative-office-building-doorknob","title":"rare c. 1900's antique american ornamental cast brass monogrammed city of chicago \"public works\" administrative office building doorknob","description":"single early 20th century chicago public works department monogrammed doorknob likely fabricated by either p. \u0026amp; f. corbin or yale \u0026amp; towne. the doorknob contains fanciful overlapping letters representing the public works department, which is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and construction of the public infrastructure of the city of chicago. the cast brass doorknob was salvaged from a downtown chicago administrative building. the knob has been darkened with an oil-rubbed bronze metallic finish. measures approximately 2 1\/4 inches in diameter.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670082392362,"sku":"UR-16639-13","price":395.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20130220-018m_2.jpg?v=1760248831"},{"product_id":"highly-ornamented-19th-century-american-gothic-style-black-enameled-cast-iron-fisher-building-interior-office-door-mail-slot-chute","title":"highly ornamented 19th century american gothic style black enameled cast iron fisher building interior office door mail slot chute","description":"finely cast late 1890's american ornamental solid iron gothic revival style fisher building interior office door \"letters\" mailslot chute with a uniform black enameled finish. the chute or hood was fabricated by the yale and towne mfg. co., stamford, ct. the historic fisher building is a 20-story neo-gothic landmark building commissioned by paper magnate lucius fisher. the original building was completed in 1896 by d.h. burnham \u0026amp; company with an addition latter added in 1907. though a project of d.h. burnham \u0026amp; company, the original structure was designed by charles atwood. in 1906, an addition on the northern side of the building raised it from 18 to 20 stories. a former employee of the burnham firm, peter j. weber, designed and oversaw the building's addition which was completed in 1907. measures 8 x 2 1\/2 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670141112618,"sku":"UR-17308-13","price":150.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20130502-017m_2.jpg?v=1760250859"},{"product_id":"c-1900-s-original-nickel-plated-ornamental-cast-bronze-oval-shaped-new-york-city-public-school-building-doorknob","title":"c. 1900's original nickel-plated ornamental cast bronze oval-shaped new york city public school building doorknob","description":"original early 20th century ornamental nickel-plated cast bronze new york city public school doorknob with embossed lettering surrounded by floral ornament. the interior emblematic oval-shaped doorknob was salvaged from one of the public school administration buildings within the city. fabricated by the sargent hardware co., new haven, ct. nice original surface patina left untouched. measures approximately 2 1\/2 x 1 3\/4 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670148256042,"sku":"UR-17363-13","price":80.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20130506-017z_2.jpg?v=1760162391"},{"product_id":"late-19th-century-original-ornamental-cast-iron-bower-barff-interior-reliance-building-office-window-sash-lift-or-pull","title":"late 19th century original ornamental cast iron bower-barff interior reliance building office window sash lift or pull","description":"single late 19th century interior office window sash lift or pull salvaged from the historically important reliance building located in downtown chicago. the ornamental cast iron window handle retains most of the original bower-barff finish. fabricated around 1895 by the yale \u0026amp; towne mfg. co., stamford, ct. quantity available. in 1890, real estate speculator william hale commissioned architects daniel burnham and john wellborn root to draw up plans for a new building located at the corner of state and washington streets (hale became acquainted with burnham \u0026amp; root from his other real estate projects, such as the rookery building). the architectural firm of burnham \u0026amp; root were renowned locally for designing several commercial buildings found throughout downtown chicago. root developed the floating raft system, which enabled designers to build large, steel-frame buildings on a reinforced concrete foundation, a necessity in chicago's moist soil. root and hale agreed that the new building needed to have large glass windows on the first floor with large, open spaces. hale intended to have several stories dedicated to smaller tenants, with offices for doctors and dentists on the uppermost floors. he also specifically emphasized the need for natural lighting on each and every floor. the plan for the reliance building was consistent with the growing concept of the chicago school of architecture, which emphasized the importance of designing to address the function of a building. carson pirie scott \u0026amp; co. was the first tenant of the reliance building, opening a dry goods store on the first floor once it was completed in 1891. after root's untimely death, daniel burnham recruited boston architect charles b. atwood to complete the building with e. c. shankland as lead engineer. atwood was able to implement his own design for the rest of the structure, using white glazed architectural terra-cotta cladding (on the two street facades) fabricated by the northwestern terra cotta company of chicago. burnham's building contractor of choice was george a. fuller, who had built the majority of chicago's tall office building throughout the latter half of the 19th century. the slender sixteen story steel frame skeleton was erected with unusual rapidity (completed over fifteen days in 1894). the reliance building, so named for its functionality, opened in march 1895. it was one of the first skyscrapers to offer electricity and phone service in all of its offices. in its first few decades, it provided office space for merchants and health professionals. the interior contained four passenger elevators located close to the entrance. the german gothic style elevator cages and surrounding grillework, comprised of ornamental iron with bower-barff finish, were fabricated by the winslow brothers of chicago. dark-stained mahogany woodwork was used throughout the building. the stairway, including newel posts, balustrade panels, stringers and risers are made of cast iron, with designs corresponding to and\/or harmonizing with the existing ornamentation (all subjected to the bower-barff process). the building struggled during the great depression, and slowly became dilapidated. subsequent commercial alterations and signage greatly disfigured the lower floors. the original projecting cornice was removed around 1948. after caron pirie scott \u0026amp; co. left the building for the merchandise mart, the first floor was occupied by karroll's, a menswear store. however, the building struggled to maintain tenants on the upper floors. the building continued to fall into disrepair, as the small size of its retail spaces were not appealing to business interests in the late 20th century. the city of chicago made a commitment to revitalize the structure, but city hall could not agree on a plan. the debate became particularly polarized after the 1989 demolition of the nearby mccarthy building, which angered preservationists but satisfied business interests by providing space for a modern office building. finally, in 1994, the mcclier corporation collaborated with the baldwin development company to restore the reliance building; these two groups had recently worked together to rehabilitate the rookery building. the reliance building's rehabilitation was completed in 1999. the former retail space was ultimately converted into a boutique hotel. measure approximately 6 1\/4 x 2 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670173454634,"sku":"UR-17504-13","price":35.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20130520-007z_2.jpg?v=1760162776"},{"product_id":"original-c-1920-s-american-ornamental-cast-bronze-emblematic-downtown-detroit-book-cadillac-hotel-guest-room-doorknob-with-matching-rosette","title":"original c. 1920's american ornamental cast bronze emblematic downtown detroit book cadillac hotel guest room doorknob with matching rosette","description":"authentic c. 1920's ornamental cast bronze emblematic interior guest room doorknob and matching rosette salvaged from the historic book cadillac hotel during interior renovations. the centrally located shield is accentuated with a baked polychrome enameled finish. the matching circular-shaped rosette contains a bayleaf design motif. the interior guestroom hardware was fabricated by the sargent hardware co., new haven, ct. the book cadillac hotel was developed by three brothers, j.b., frank, and herbert book. the brothers sought to turn detroit's washington boulevard into the \"fifth avenue of the west.\" part of that vision was the creation of a flagship luxury hotel. they commissioned architect louis kamper to design the building. he had worked with the book brothers in 1917 on the book building. in 1917 they bought the old cadillac hotel at the northeast corner of michigan and washington, but world war i material shortages delayed the start of work on their new hotel. construction finally began in 1923, and, when the building opened in december 1924, it was the tallest building in the city and the tallest hotel in the world. the hotel cost $14 million to build and contained 1,136 guest rooms. public spaces on the first five floors included three dining rooms, three ballrooms, a spacious lobby, and a ground floor retail arcade. on the hotel's top floor was radio station wcx, the predecessor to wjr. the hotel operated successfully until the great depression, when banks foreclosed and the book brothers lost control in 1931. for much of the period after the books lost ownership, the hotel was run by hotel industry pioneer ralph hitz's national hotel management company. in 1951, sheraton bought the hotel, renamed it the sheraton-cadillac, and undertook massive renovations. all public spaces except the ballrooms and italian garden were redone, which included replacing the grand staircase with an escalator. in 1975, with business declining and the hotel in need of another renovation, sheraton sold the hotel, and it became the detroit-cadillac. ownership changed again in 1976, and it became the radisson-cadillac. in 1979 the radisson chain sold it, and it became the book-cadillac once again. though it was considered the city's top hotel for many years, its occupancy had fallen off significantly by this point, and the owners announced that the hotel would close. priced for the set. 2-1\/2\" diameter.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670203961642,"sku":"UR-17733-13","price":175.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20130613-012z_2.jpg?v=1760339647"},{"product_id":"c-1920-s-nicely-patinated-matching-decorative-cast-bronze-historic-book-cadillac-hotel-building-guest-room-doorknob-with-matching-backplate","title":"c. 1920's nicely patinated matching decorative cast bronze historic book cadillac hotel building guest room doorknob with matching backplate","description":"original c. 1924 ornamental cast bronze emblematic interior guest room doorknob and matching backplate salvaged from the historic book cadillac hotel. the doorknob contains a centrally located shield accentuated with a baked polychrome enameled finish. the matching doorknob backplate or escutcheon contains an older yale \u0026amp; towne cylinder lock with functional key. the interior guestroom hardware was fabricated by the sargent hardware co., new haven, ct. the book cadillac hotel was developed by three brothers, j.b., frank, and herbert book. the brothers sought to turn detroit's washington boulevard into the \"fifth avenue of the west.\" part of that vision was the creation of a flagship luxury hotel. they commissioned architect louis kamper to design the building. he had worked with the book brothers in 1917 on the book building. in 1917 they bought the old cadillac hotel at the northeast corner of michigan and washington, but world war i material shortages delayed the start of work on their new hotel. construction finally began in 1923, and, when the building opened in december 1924, it was the tallest building in the city and the tallest hotel in the world. the hotel cost $14 million to build and contained 1,136 guest rooms. public spaces on the first five floors included three dining rooms, three ballrooms, a spacious lobby, and a ground floor retail arcade. on the hotel's top floor was radio station wcx, the predecessor to wjr. the hotel operated successfully until the great depression, when banks foreclosed and the book brothers lost control in 1931. for much of the period after the books lost ownership, the hotel was run by hotel industry pioneer ralph hitz's national hotel management company. in 1951, sheraton bought the hotel, renamed it the sheraton-cadillac, and undertook massive renovations. all public spaces except the ballrooms and italian garden were redone, which included replacing the grand staircase with an escalator. in 1975, with business declining and the hotel in need of another renovation, sheraton sold the hotel, and it became the detroit-cadillac. ownership changed again in 1976, and it became the radisson-cadillac. in 1979 the radisson chain sold it, and it became the book-cadillac once again. though it was considered the city's top hotel for many years, its occupancy had fallen off significantly by this point, and the owners announced that the hotel would close. priced for the knob and backplate. height 12\" x width 2\". knob diameter 2-1\/4\".","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670204715306,"sku":"UR-17740-13","price":175.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20130613-013c_2.jpg?v=1760252048"},{"product_id":"original-c-1920-s-antique-american-ornamental-nickel-plated-cast-brass-odd-fellows-lodge-doorknob-with-embossed-three-link-insignia","title":"original c. 1920's antique american ornamental nickel-plated cast brass odd fellows lodge doorknob with embossed \"three link\" insignia","description":"early 1920's original interior i.o.o.f. building office door ornamental nickel-plated cast brass passage size doorknob designed and fabricated by the yale \u0026amp; towne mfg. co., stamford, ct. the antique american doorknob features a deeply embossed \"three interlocking rings\" insignia, representing the \"three link fraternity\" (i.e., friendship, love and truth). the doorknob contains a raised beaded rim and intricate leafage. the doorknob was salvaged from an oddfellows lodge located in pottstown, pa. 2-1\/2\" diameter x 2-1\/2\" depth.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670206091562,"sku":"UR-17765-13","price":150.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20130512-011a_2.jpg?v=1760252114"},{"product_id":"ornamental-cast-brass-c-1900-s-emblematic-antique-american-passage-size-doorknob-with-fist-grasping-lightning-bolts","title":"ornamental cast brass c. 1900's emblematic antique american passage size doorknob with fist grasping lightning bolts","description":"original c. 1900-10 antique american ornamental cast brass emblematicvdoorknob likely fabricated by the chicago hardware company, chicago, il. the unusual doorknob features a centrally located human fist grasping a multitude of lightning bolts. the surrounding border consists of a repeating pattern of bellflowers. the doorknob may have been used in a gamewell alarm telegraph company office building, or perhaps a midwestern utility company. the doorknob contains a mostly uniform metallic bronze enameled finish. multiple doorknobs available. the backside of the doorknob contains a threaded opening for use with a screwless spindle. measures 2.5 inches in diameter.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670679490858,"sku":"UR-19024-13","price":250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20131212-005a_1_2.jpg?v=1760168044"},{"product_id":"two-ceylon-pattern-american-antique-eastlake-style-interior-residential-paneled-passage-door-ornamental-wrought-brass-backplates","title":"two \"ceylon\" pattern american antique eastlake style interior residential paneled passage door ornamental wrought brass backplates","description":"refinished late 19th century original \"ceylon\" pattern interior residential passage door hardware salvaged from a chicago graystone two-flat undergoing demolition. the popular eastlake style hardware was designed and fabricated by the p. \u0026amp; f. corbin hardware co., new britain, ct. the matching rectangular-shaped backplates with intact thimbles are comprised of wrought brass. several sets (in various configurations) were salvaged from this historic chicago residence. priced for the pair. each escutcheon measures approximately 1 1\/2 x 5 1\/2 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670692991274,"sku":"UR-19120-13","price":50.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20140316-20140316-20131230-20131230-017m_2.jpg?v=1760344676"},{"product_id":"original-and-complete-set-of-louis-h-sullivan-designed-ornamental-cast-iron-chicago-stock-exchange-interior-office-door-mail-slot-with-chute","title":"original and complete set of louis h. sullivan-designed ornamental cast iron chicago stock exchange interior office door mail slot with chute","description":"original finely executed museum-quality ornamental cast iron interior office door \"letters\" mail slot and matching chute designed not notable chicago architect louis h. sullivan for the chicago stock exchange building. the complete set was fabricated by the yale \u0026amp; towne mfg. co., stamford, ct. traces of the original bower-barff or \"rust-proof\" finish remains intact. the decorative chicago stock exchange hardware was one of the very few designed by sullivan for this particular building. finding a complete set of this office door hardware is rather difficult - especially in this condition. the yale \u0026amp; towne logo is stamped on the backside of the hinged cover and chute. the hardware components have been lightly cleaned and mounted in a custom-built oak wood shadow box using recycled oak salvaged from the chicago athletic association building. built on the site of the first brick building in chicago (1837), the 13 story steel frame chicago stock exchange building was designed by the architectural firm of adler and sullivan with falkenau \u0026amp; company as general contractors. the building was completed in 1894 at a total cost of $1,131,555.16. the stock exchange contained 13 stories with the single basement containing both pile and caisson foundations (the latter were used don the west party wall). the building contained 480 offices. the stock exchange was the second largest commission awarded to sullivan and adler (the largest being the auditorium hotel and theater). the building's exterior was outfitted with ornamental buff-colored terra cotta designed by sullivan and fabricated by the northwestern terra cotta company. the structural system consisted of fireproofed steel framing. the first floor was treated on the exterior as basement, with the second and third floors as an arcade, bay windows extended from the fourth through the twelfth floor and the thirteenth contained a colonnaded ribbon of windows topped by a projecting cornice with a richly worked surface. the interior contained shops on the ground floor with offices on the upper floors of the main block and wings. the elevators were located at the center of the building. the trading room occupied one-half of the second and third floors. the two sets of stairways were found on floors 4-13. the highly stylized staircase was comprised of copper-plated ornamental iron, oak railings and white marble treads. when the stock exchange moved in 1908, the trading room was converted into office space and later bank. during the course of demolition in 1972, photographer and activist richard nickel was working to salvage ornament the building when the unstable structure collapsed and he was tragically killed. as a tribute to nickel from and sullivan, sections of the trading room stencils, molded pilaster capitals, and art glass were preserved and in 1977 the art institute created a complete reconstruction of this significant room in a new wing of the museum. at the same time, the monumental entry arch of the stock exchange was erected on the museum grounds near the corner of monroe street and columbus drive.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670710391082,"sku":"UR-19252-14","price":6500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20140115-20140115-010a_2.jpg?v=1760257640"},{"product_id":"rare-19th-century-american-louis-h-sullivan-designed-chicago-stock-exchange-interior-office-passage-door-backplate-or-escutcheon","title":"rare 19th century american louis h. sullivan-designed chicago stock exchange interior office passage door backplate or escutcheon","description":"hard to find original and intact c. 1890's american antique louis. h. sullivan-designed chicago stock exchange building escutcheon or backplate executed by the yale \u0026amp; towne mfg. co., stamford, ct. the ornamental cast iron backplate features a dazzling array of organic and geometric design motifs in the form of rings or medallions (the former surrounding the thimble and keyhole respectively). the rare escutcheon was apart of a larger \"suite\" of stock exchange hardware consisting of oversized push plates, monogrammed office door backplates, smaller utility closet door backplates, window pulls, mail slots and pull handles and knobs. this particular plate does not surface often. incredibly crisp and sharp detailing evident. the yale \u0026amp; towne logo is stamped on the backside. built on the site of the first brick building in chicago (1837), the 13 story steel frame chicago stock exchange building was designed by the architectural firm of adler and sullivan with falkenau \u0026amp; company as general contractors. the building was completed in 1894 at a total cost of $1,131,555.16. the stock exchange contained 13 stories with the single basement containing both pile and caisson foundations (the latter were used don the west party wall). the building contained 480 offices. the stock exchange was the second largest commission awarded to sullivan and adler (the largest being the auditorium hotel and theater). the building's exterior was outfitted with ornamental buff-colored terra cotta designed by sullivan and fabricated by the northwestern terra cotta company. the structural system consisted of fireproofed steel framing. the first floor was treated on the exterior as basement, with the second and third floors as an arcade, bay windows extended from the fourth through the twelfth floor and the thirteenth contained a colonnaded ribbon of windows topped by a projecting cornice with a richly worked surface. the interior contained shops on the ground floor with offices on the upper floors of the main block and wings. the elevators were located at the center of the building. the trading room occupied one-half of the second and third floors. the two sets of stairways were found on floors 4-13. the highly stylized staircase was comprised of copper-plated ornamental iron, oak railings and white marble treads. when the stock exchange moved in 1908, the trading room was converted into office space and later bank. during the course of demolition in 1972, photographer and activist richard nickel was working to salvage ornament the building when the unstable structure collapsed and he was tragically killed. as a tribute to nickel from and sullivan, sections of the trading room stencils, molded pilaster capitals, and art glass were preserved and in 1977 the art institute created a complete reconstruction of this significant room in a new wing of the museum. at the same time, the monumental entry arch of the stock exchange was erected on the museum grounds near the corner of monroe street and columbus drive.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670716223786,"sku":"UR-19286-14","price":850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20140115-20140115-012z_2.jpg?v=1760433411"},{"product_id":"late-19th-century-original-american-antique-interior-wainwright-commercial-office-building-backplate-with-matching-monogrammed-doorknob","title":"late 19th century original american antique interior wainwright commercial office building backplate with matching monogrammed doorknob","description":"lightly cleaned ornamental cast iron interior office door monogrammed doorknob and matching backplate or escutcheon removed from the extant wainwright building. the original patented bower-barff \"rust proof\" finish remains largely intact. the decorative doorknob and backplate were manufactured by the yale \u0026amp; towne mfg. co., stamford, ct. the doorknob with patented shank exhibits unique embossed lettering with a heavily beaded rim. the wainwright building is a 10-story red-brick office building located in downtown st. louis, missouri. built in 1890-91 and designed by dankmar adler and louis sullivan, it was among the first skyscrapers in the world. it was named for local financier ellis wainwright. it is described as \"a highly influential prototype of the modern office building\" by the national register of historic places. architect frank lloyd wright called the wainwright building \"the very first human expression of a tall steel office-building as architecture.\" aesthetically, the wainwright building exemplifies sullivan's theories about the tall building, which included a tripartite (three-part) composition (base-shaft-attic), and his desire to emphasize the height of the building. he wrote: \"[the skyscraper] must be tall, every inch of it tall. the force and power of altitude must be in it the glory and pride of exaltation must be in it. it must be every inch a proud and soaring thing, rising in sheer exultation that from bottom to top it is a unit without a single dissenting line.\" after a period of neglect, the building now houses missouri state offices and is well maintained. some architectural elements from the building have been removed in renovations and taken to the sauget, illinois storage site of the st. louis building arts foundation. backplate measures 2 1\/2 x 11 inches. doorknob measures 2 1\/2 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670718583082,"sku":"UR-19305-14","price":1200.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20140115-20140115-015m_2.jpg?v=1760345242"},{"product_id":"late-19th-century-original-antique-american-interior-historic-building-office-door-monogrammed-cast-iron-hardware-with-stylized-fish","title":"late 19th century original antique american interior historic building office door monogrammed cast iron hardware with stylized fish","description":"historically important and distinctively designed late 19th century ornamental cast iron figural doorknob and matching monogrammed backplate salvaged from the extant historic fisher building located in downtown chicago. the finely detailed doorknob features a centrally located aquatic creature within a foliated cartouche or bade, surrounded by a bayleaf border. the rectangular--shaped backplate contains a rope border and intricate gothic tracery surrounding the encircled letter \"f.\" the original bower-barff baked enameled finish remains partially intact. the antique american hardware was designed and fabricated by the yale \u0026amp; towne mfg. co., stamford, ct. the fisher building is a 20-story, 275 foot tall neo-gothic landmark building in the chicago loop community area of chicago. commissioned by paper magnate lucius fisher, the original building was completed in 1896 by d.h. burnham \u0026amp; company with an addition later added in 1907. it was designated a chicago landmark on june 7, 1978. the building was added to the national register of historic places on march 16, 1976. at the time of its completion, the building was one of two buildings in chicago that was 18 stories tall, the other being the masonic building. to this day, the fisher building is the oldest 18 story building in chicago that has not been demolished. the masonic temple, while taller and older, was demolished in 1939. though a project of d.h. burnham \u0026amp; company, the original structure was designed by charles atwood. in 1906, an addition on the northern side of the building raised it from 18 to 20 stories. a former employee of the burnham firm, peter j. weber, designed and oversaw the building's addition which was completed in 1907. the fisher building features terra-cotta carvings of various aquatic creatures including fish and crabs. in addition, there are eagles, dragons and mythical creatures depicted on the facade as well. the entire building is fireproof--all steel work protected with hollow fireclay tile; floors of similar material, being flat arches. floors finished in marble mosaic in the halls; white maple in the rooms; inside finish is of polished mahogany; all halls are marble wainscoted 7' high with veined italian marble. construction was carried out by the guaranty construction company of chicago. (all have advertisements following): pioneer fireproof construction company: \"hard-burned fire-clay tile from their own clay beds at ottawa;\" 206 car loads, weighing 3,620 tons. northwestern terra cotta company of chicago: exterior, except 10 stories of north wall which are hollow building tile \"the new process of finely spattering the terra cotta before burning in has been used throughout.\" rittenhouse embree company: hardwood flooring - 120,000' of kiln-dried polished maple. evans marble company: 40,000 square feet of marble; veined italian marble wainscoting from carrara, first floor of italian pavonazzo. frank l. davis: designed and finished the mosaics. winslow brothers company: ornamental iron in blue-black finish (bower-barff process). l. h. prentice company; steam-heating work; johnson temperature controlling company: heat regulation. grimshaw company and general electric: electric mains, electrical fixtures by chicago edison company. p.f. corbin; hardware. alfred barker: tinting and house painting. backplate measures 9 1\/2 x 2 1\/2 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670775566634,"sku":"UR-19633-14","price":695.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20140309-20140309-016a_2.jpg?v=1760259413"},{"product_id":"hard-to-find-original-c-1894-5-antique-american-chicago-stock-exchange-building-interior-utility-door-backplate-and-matching-doorknob","title":"hard to find original c. 1894-5 antique american chicago stock exchange building interior utility door backplate and matching doorknob","description":"late 19th century hard to find original american antique louis. h. sullivan-designed chicago stock exchange building interior utility door hardware executed by the yale \u0026amp; towne mfg. co., stamford, ct. the ornamental cast iron diminutive backplate and matching doorknob feature a dazzling array of organic and geometric design motifs in the form of rings or medallions. the rare escutcheon was apart of a larger \"suite\" of stock exchange hardware consisting of oversized push plates, passage door backplates, monogrammed office door backplates, window pulls, mail slots and pull handles - all fabricated in cast iron. the backplate and matching doorknob retain the original bower-barff \"rust-proof\" finish. incredibly crisp and sharp detailing evident. the yale \u0026amp; towne logo is stamped on the backside of the escutcheon. built on the site of the first brick building in chicago (1837), the 13 story steel frame chicago stock exchange building was designed by the architectural firm of adler and sullivan with falkenau \u0026amp; company as general contractors. the building was completed in 1894 at a total cost of $1,131,555.16. the stock exchange contained 13 stories with the single basement containing both pile and caisson foundations (the latter were used don the west party wall). the building contained 480 offices. the stock exchange was the second largest commission awarded to sullivan and adler (the largest being the auditorium hotel and theater). the building's exterior was outfitted with ornamental buff-colored terra cotta designed by sullivan and fabricated by the northwestern terra cotta company. the structural system consisted of fireproofed steel framing. the first floor was treated on the exterior as basement, with the second and third floors as an arcade, bay windows extended from the fourth through the twelfth floor and the thirteenth contained a colonnaded ribbon of windows topped by a projecting cornice with a richly worked surface. the interior contained shops on the ground floor with offices on the upper floors of the main block and wings. the elevators were located at the center of the building. the trading room occupied one-half of the second and third floors. the two sets of stairways were found on floors 4-13. the highly stylized staircase was comprised of copper-plated ornamental iron, oak railings and white marble treads. when the stock exchange moved in 1908, the trading room was converted into office space and later bank. during the course of demolition in 1972, photographer and activist richard nickel was working to salvage ornament the building when the unstable structure collapsed and he was tragically killed. as a tribute to nickel from and sullivan, sections of the trading room stencils, molded pilaster capitals, and art glass were preserved and in 1977 the art institute created a complete reconstruction of this significant room in a new wing of the museum. at the same time, the monumental entry arch of the stock exchange was erected on the museum grounds near the corner of monroe street and columbus drive.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670782218538,"sku":"UR-19664-14","price":1800.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20140307-20140307-027z_2.jpg?v=1760170423"},{"product_id":"original-early-20th-century-antique-american-mounted-la-salle-hotel-monogrammed-cast-brass-doorknob-and-matching-backplate","title":"original early 20th century antique american mounted la salle hotel monogrammed cast brass doorknob and matching backplate","description":"early 20th century all original and nicely aged interior la salle hotel guestroom door hardware designed and fabricated by the yale \u0026amp; towne mfg. co., stamford, ct. the oversized cast brass monogrammed doorknob contains fanciful lettering surrounded by a neoclassical border. the distinctive backplate is comprised of decorative frame attached to a dark blue enameled escutcheon containing the original thumb twist handle. the nicely aged surface patina was left untouched. the doorknob and backplate were mounted on a beveled edge hardwood plaque for display purposes. the la salle hotel was a 22-story historic hotel that was designed by the architectural firm of holabird \u0026amp; roche and built between 1908-09 by the firm of purdy \u0026amp; henderson. the thousand bedroom building was erected contemporaneously with the blackstone hotel designed by benjamin marshall in a very similar style and was considered chicago's finest hotel. named in honor of robert, cavalier de lasalle, the hotel was planned, designed and built in the commercial district of chicago as an upscale hotel for an elite and influential clientele, with luxurious and stately walnut-paneled rooms and lobbies. an elegant roof top garden was planned as a major attraction. when it was opened in 1909, it was hailed as the \"largest, safest, and most modern hotel west of new york.\" the republican party of illinois had their offices located in the luxurious blue fountain room of the hotel. during one of his long visits to chicago, president william howard taft stayed in the presidential suite on the third floor of this hotel, converting it into de facto white house. la salle billed itself as \"chicago's finest hotel\" and was a symbol of upper class extravagance in chicago in the early twentieth century, with its grand ballrooms and luxury restaurants exuding a grandeur of the fine palace hotels of europe. the hotel suffered a major fire in 1946, but shortly refurbished thereafter. in 1976, the la sale was demolished to make way for the two north lasalle office building completed in 1979.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670784905514,"sku":"UR-19673-14","price":495.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20140313-20140313-044a_2.jpg?v=1760170480"},{"product_id":"c-1909-original-interior-american-made-historic-la-salle-hotel-guestroom-door-monogrammed-brass-doorknob-and-matching-backplate","title":"c. 1909 original interior american made historic la salle hotel guestroom door monogrammed brass doorknob and matching backplate","description":"early 20th century all original and nicely aged interior la salle hotel guestroom door hardware designed and fabricated by the yale \u0026amp; towne mfg. co., stamford, ct. the oversized cast brass monogrammed doorknob contains fanciful lettering surrounded by a neoclassical border. the distinctive backplate is comprised of decorative frame attached to a dark blue enameled escutcheon containing the original thumb twist handle. the nicely aged surface patina was left untouched. the doorknob and backplate were mounted on a beveled edge hardwood plaque for display purposes. the la salle hotel was a 22-story historic hotel that was designed by the architectural firm of holabird \u0026amp; roche and built between 1908-09 by the firm of purdy \u0026amp; henderson. the thousand bedroom building was erected contemporaneously with the blackstone hotel designed by benjamin marshall in a very similar style and was considered chicago's finest hotel. named in honor of robert, cavalier de lasalle, the hotel was planned, designed and built in the commercial district of chicago as an upscale hotel for an elite and influential clientele, with luxurious and stately walnut-paneled rooms and lobbies. an elegant roof top garden was planned as a major attraction. when it was opened in 1909, it was hailed as the \"largest, safest, and most modern hotel west of new york.\" the republican party of illinois had their offices located in the luxurious blue fountain room of the hotel. during one of his long visits to chicago, president william howard taft stayed in the presidential suite on the third floor of this hotel, converting it into de facto white house. la salle billed itself as \"chicago's finest hotel\" and was a symbol of upper class extravagance in chicago in the early twentieth century, with its grand ballrooms and luxury restaurants exuding a grandeur of the fine palace hotels of europe. the hotel suffered a major fire in 1946, but shortly refurbished thereafter. in 1976, the la sale was demolished to make way for the two north lasalle office building completed in 1979. backplate measures 11 x 3 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670786576682,"sku":"UR-19680-14","price":195.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20140316-20140316-041a_2.jpg?v=1760435206"},{"product_id":"original-early-20th-century-lightly-polished-city-of-chicago-city-hall-interior-office-door-cast-brass-emblematic-backplates-with-matching-doorknobs","title":"original early 20th century lightly polished city of chicago city hall interior office door cast brass emblematic backplates with matching doorknobs","description":"lightly polished original early 20th century american antique ornamental cast yellow brass emblematic chicago city hall interior office door hardware designed and fabricated by yale \u0026amp; towne, and later, the sargent hardware company, new haven, ct. the heavily ornamented neoclassical style backplates or escutcheons contain the city seal of chicago in great detail. the matching doorknobs with sunken centers are adorned with bayleaf borders. the exterior backplate, mounted on the side of the door facing the hallway, contains a circular opening where a cylinder lock was once installed. the polished finish has mellowed over the years, leaving a warm and mostly uniform surface patina. since 1853, the governments of chicago and cook county have shared three different buildings on this site. the monumental, classical revival-style exterior of the present structure, which was designed to be a functional and efficient office building, symbolizes the strength, dignity, and vigor of the governmental functions it contains. the county building was completed in 1908; city hall was finished in 1911. the architectural firm was holabird and roche. yale \u0026amp; towne fabricated the hardware for the first phase of construction (i.e., cook county building). the sargent hardware company likely outfitted city hall by replicating and\/or using the original molds from the earlier commission. backplates measure 13 1\/4 x 3 1\/2 inches. priced for the set. the neoclassical style hardware has been mounted to a custom-built solid cherry wood plaque with beveled edges.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670803878186,"sku":"UR-19724-14","price":895.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20140321-20140321-019z_2.jpg?v=1760347383"},{"product_id":"original-documented-c-1933-ornamental-cast-bronze-cincinnati-times-star-building-interior-office-door-monogrammed-doorknob-and-matching-rosette","title":"original documented c. 1933 ornamental cast bronze cincinnati times-star building interior office door monogrammed doorknob and matching rosette","description":"c. 1933 cast bronze monogrammed doorknob and matching \"stepped\" rosette salvaged from the cincinnati times-star building designed by the architectural firm of samuel hannaford \u0026amp; sons. the nicely aged bronze metal doorknob and oversized stepped circular-shaped rosette was likely fabricated by russwin, corbin or possibly the sargent hardware company. the monogrammed doorknob contains overlapping initials (i.e., times-star) representing the building's name. the 16-story 1933 cincinnati times-star stepped back limestone landmark building was designed built in cincinnati by the architectural firm of samuel hannaford \u0026amp; sons (known for designing the city's music and city hall) in the art deco style. the decorated limestone stepped facade pays homage to the printing and publishing businesses. four massive corner columns, standing 200 feet above ground level represent patriotism, truth, speed and progress. the newspaper plant occupied the first six stories while the floors above were mainly offices. the cincinnati times-star was an outgrowth of several newspapers owned by cincinnati's taft family. at the time, charles phelps taft was editor. when the newspaper ceased operations in 1958, any and all assets were purchased by the newspaper's rival (the cincinnati post), who later moved into the building, occupying it until 1984. during the late 1980's the building was bought by hamilton county and renamed 800 broadway. the extant building is currently used for county offices and juvenile courts.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670965719338,"sku":"UR-20754-14","price":295.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20140901-079x_2.jpg?v=1760440539"},{"product_id":"simple-yet-elegantly-designed-original-antique-american-ornamental-cast-iron-reliance-building-interior-office-window-sash-lifts-with-a-uniform-brushed-metal-finish","title":"simple yet elegantly designed original antique american ornamental cast iron reliance building interior office window sash lifts with a uniform brushed metal finish","description":"two matching late 19th century interior office window sash lifts or pulls salvaged from the historically important reliance building located in downtown chicago. the ornamental cast iron window handles have been brushed down to bare metal (formerly painted) and sealed with a clear coat lacquer. the cast iron reliance building sash pulls were fabricated around 1895 by the yale \u0026amp; towne mfg. co., stamford, ct. over a hundred pulls available. in 1890, real estate speculator william hale commissioned architects daniel burnham and john wellborn root to draw up plans for a new building located at the corner of state and washington streets (hale became acquainted with burnham \u0026amp; root from his other real estate projects, such as the rookery building). the architectural firm of burnham \u0026amp; root were renowned locally for designing several commecial buildings found throughout downtown chicago. root developed the floating raft system, which enabled designers to build large, steel-frame buildings on a reinforced concrete foundation, a necessity in chicago's moist soil. root and hale agreed that the new building needed to have large glass windows on the first floor with large, open spaces. hale intended to have several stories dedicated to smaller tenants, with offices for doctors and dentists on the uppermost floors. he also specifically emphasized the need for natural lighting on each and every floor. the plan for the reliance building was consistent with the growing concept of the chicago school of architecture, which emphasized the importance of designing to address the function of a building. carson pirie scott \u0026amp; co. was the first tenant of the reliance building, opening a dry goods store on the first floor once it was completed in 1891. after root's untimely death, daniel burnham recruited boston architect charles b. atwood to complete the building with e. c. shankland as lead engineer. atwood was able to implement his own design for the rest of the structure, using white glazed architectural terra-cotta cladding (on the two street facades) fabricated by the northwestern terra cotta company of chicago. burnham's building contractor of choice was george a. fuller, who had built the majority of chicago's tall office building throughout the latter half of the 19th century. the slender sixteen story steel frame skeleton was erected with unusual rapidity (completed over fifteen days in 1894). the reliance building, so named for its functionality, opened in march 1895. it was one of the first skyscrapers to offer electricity and phone service in all of its offices. in its first few decades, it provided office space for merchants and health professionals. the interior contained four passenger elevators located close to the entrance. the german gothic style elevator cages and surrounding grillework, comprised of ornamental iron with bower-barff finish, were fabricated by the winslow brothers of chicago. dark-stained mahogany woodwork was used throughout the building. the stairway, including newel posts, balustrade panels, stringers and risers are made of cast iron, with designs corresponding to and\/or harmonizing with the existing ornamentation (all subjected to the bower-barff process). the building struggled during the great depression, and slowly became dilapidated. subsequent commercial alterations and signage greatly disfigured the lower floors. the original projecting cornice was removed around 1948. after caron pirie scott \u0026amp; co. left the building for the merchandise mart, the first floor was occupied by karroll's, a menswear store. however, the building struggled to maintain tenants on the upper floors. the building continued to fall into disrepair, as the small size of its retail spaces were not appealing to business interests in the late 20th century. the city of chicago made a commitment to revitalize the structure, but city hall could not agree on a plan. the debate became particularly polarized after the 1989 demolition of the nearby mccarthy building, which angered preservationists but satisfied business interests by providing space for a modern office building. finally, in 1994, the mcclier corporation collaborated with the baldwin development company to restore the reliance building; these two groups had recently worked together to rehabilitate the rookery building. the reliance building's rehabilitation was completed in 1999. the former retail space was ultimately converted into a boutique hotel. measure approximately 6 1\/4 x 2 inches. priced for the pair.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671050522922,"sku":"UR-21204-14","price":70.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20141111-011c_2.jpg?v=1760266902"},{"product_id":"historically-important-all-original-c-1893-chicago-world-s-fair-era-documented-cast-bronze-columbus-memorial-building-interior-passage-door-hardware","title":"historically-important all original c. 1893 chicago world's fair-era documented cast bronze columbus memorial building interior passage door hardware","description":"complete 19th century ornamental bronze and brass metal interior columbus memorial building office door hardware designed and fabricated by the yale \u0026amp; towne mfg. co., stamford, ct. the building's door hardware, consisting of backplates, a single mortise lock, doorknobs and a hinge were ordered specifically for the building's interior office and passage doors by chicago-based orr and lockett. the unusually shaped and oversized backplates feature a repeating fleur-de-lis motif with floral embellishment along the edges. the banded rim doorknobs with uniquely shaped shanks contain lightly embossed rearing lions. the nicely aged surface patina on each and every hardware component was left untouched. two additional sets available for sale. the non-extant or demolished columbus memorial building was a 15-story steel frame downtown chicago skyscraper building designed at a time to capitalize on the columbian exposition or chicago worlds fair of 1893. the downtown chicago steel frame structure was the very last commission for william w. boyington, who was a highly regarded chicago architect at the time. boyington earned a solid reputation for designing several buildings prior to the great chicago fire of 1871, which included the chicago water tower and pumping station (extant). however, most of his buildings constructed prior to 1871 were destroyed in the fire. the heavily ornamented terra cotta and stone building featured large glass mosaics of the landing of columbus between the main entrance on state street. a nine-foot cast bronze freestanding statue was mounted in an alcove directly above the building's entrance. the 240 foot tower contained an opalescent glass globe that was lit by incandescent lighting. continents on the globe were marked in color, with a large cut jewel used to pinpoint chicago's location. an in-depth or descriptive analysis of the interior is still a work in progress for me. with more time in the near future, i hope to locate any and all interior images of the building, along with information pertaining to the decorative treatments used throughout the lobby and office spaces, which were primarily as physician offices. the few artifacts collected from this building (see other listings) are likely just the tip of the iceberg, but whether anything equally or much more substantial dodged the wrecking ball or scrap yards remains undetermined. at the very least the moses ezekiel-designed statue of christopher columbus was rescued shortly before demolition and later relocated to little italy's arrigo park (formerly known as vernon park) in 1966.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671055700266,"sku":"UR-21263-14","price":1050.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20141124-008c_2.jpg?v=1760267309"},{"product_id":"rare-softcover-periodical-from-october-1931-the-architectural-record-vol-70-no-4-published-monthly-by-f-w-dodge-corporation-in-new-york","title":"rare softcover periodical from october 1931, “the architectural record” vol. 70 no. 4, published monthly by f.w. dodge corporation, in new york.","description":"rare softcover periodical from october 1931, “the architectural record” vol. 70 no. 4, published monthly by f.w. dodge corporation, in new york. in good condition, has slight wear on edges and a small stain on the lower left cover. there are 128 pages of rich b\u0026amp;w image and text as well as a handful of color inserts. full page advertisements showcase hardware and fixtures of the day, and articles cover topics like “unemployment and community planning” and “trends in lighting”. the metallic silver cover shows an art deco edifice, the 500 fifth avenue office tower in new york, which was built in 1929, designed by the firm of shreve, lamb, \u0026amp; harmon. it served as the original transmitter site for cbs radio’s new york city fm station in 1941. as of 2010 it was designated a nyc landmark. measures 9 x 12 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671062090026,"sku":"UR-21340-14","price":65.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/architectural_record_cover_2.jpg?v=1760355978"},{"product_id":"oversized-late-19th-century-original-antique-american-flush-mount-cleveland-commercial-building-entrance-door-push-plate-with-bas-relief-lettering","title":"oversized late 19th century original antique american flush mount cleveland commercial building entrance door \"push\" plate with bas-relief lettering","description":"one of four matching original and intact c. 1895-1905 antique american ornamental cast bronze oversized \"push\" plate designed and fabricated by the p. \u0026amp; f. corbin company, new britain, ct. the highly desirable long and narrow solid bronze metal flush mount back plate was salvaged from one of many entrance doors belonging to a downtown cleveland building (non-extant). the door pulls fashioned in the same pattern are available as well, with a total of four matching handles. the pull handles and backplates are much darker or heavily oxidized from prolonged exposure to the elements. this listing is for one push plate. the top and bottom contains a perforated design with opposed screw holes located in the corners. the nicely aged surface patina has not been cleaned. measures 15 x 3 1\/4 x 1\/4 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671092760874,"sku":"UR-21569-15","price":150.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20150114-img_0018drtyuiop_2.jpg?v=1760180828"},{"product_id":"nicely-patinated-19th-or-early-20th-century-antique-american-exterior-entrance-door-pull-handle-with-perforated-backplate-and-scrolled-handle","title":"nicely patinated 19th or early 20th century antique american exterior entrance door pull handle with perforated backplate and scrolled handle","description":"one of four matching original and intact c. 1895-1905 antique american ornamental cast bronze door pulls designed and fabricated by the p. \u0026amp; f. corbin company, new britain, ct. the highly desirable solid bronze metal flush mount back plate with curvaceous scroll-shaped handle was salvaged from one of many entrance doors belonging to a downtown cleveland building (non-extant). the door \"push\" plates, fashioned in the same pattern, are available as well, with a total of four matching handles. the push plates are nearly as oxidized as the exterior handles caused by less exposure to the elements. this listing is for one pull plate. the top and bottom contains a perforated design with opposed screw holes located in the corners. the nicely aged and darkened surface patina has not been cleaned. measures 11 1\/2 x 3  x 2 1\/4 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671092826410,"sku":"UR-21570-15","price":150.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20150114-img_0024ty765td_2.jpg?v=1760180837"},{"product_id":"late-19th-century-long-and-narrow-oversized-antique-american-cast-bronze-cleveland-commercial-building-push-backplate-with-bas-relief-lettering","title":"late 19th century long and narrow oversized antique american cast bronze cleveland commercial building \"push\" backplate with bas-relief lettering","description":"one of four matching original and intact c. 1895-1905 antique american ornamental cast bronze oversized \"push\" plate designed and fabricated by the p. \u0026amp; f. corbin company, new britain, ct. the highly desirable long and narrow solid bronze metal flush mount back plate was salvaged from one of many entrance doors belonging to a downtown cleveland building (non-extant). the door pulls fashioned in the same pattern are available as well, with a total of four matching handles. the pull handles and backplates are much darker or heavily oxidized from prolonged exposure to the elements. this listing is for one push plate. the top and bottom contains a perforated design with opposed screw holes located in the corners. the nicely aged surface patina has not been cleaned. measures 15 x 3 1\/4 x 1\/4 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671093088554,"sku":"UR-21571-15","price":150.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20150114-img_0020_2.jpg?v=1760268999"}],"url":"https:\/\/urbanremainschicago.com\/collections\/historic-building-hardware.oembed?page=10","provider":"Urban Remains Chicago","version":"1.0","type":"link"}