Doorbells : Historic Home Hardware for Authentic Antique Restoration Originals

Doorbells

An antique doorbell is usually the first thing your guests will see when they step up to your front door. Using an authentic antique doorbell sets the stage for all your “house jewelry”! With the exception of antique and vintage electric doorbells listed here, antique door bells were most times mounted on the exterior door. Those are two basic types – a twist turn and the lever (or gong) type. To see how they are installed go to FAQ & Helpful Info. Since the gong type bells were made for several designs of levers and pulls I have listed some of those separately so you can choose what operator you would want. Sometimes people do not need a set of both the bell and operator so you have the choice of buying each separately.

You can also replace your garage door opener with an electric push button doorbell!

For an example of what a twist type doorbell sounds like, CLICK HERE
It sounds much louder in person!

Displaying 1 to 20 (of 24 products)

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Item #-	Item
DB1083		Turn of the Century Mechanical Doorbell This antique twist doorbell even tells your guests what to do – TURN! Great “burring” ring that can be heard throughout the house! Fancy cast bronze twist has natural medium patina. The bell has a brass dome with patina and a cast iron base. This doorbell can be mounted through an exterior...
DB1082		Simple Antique Gong Door or Call Bell – Pull or Lever Operated Simple yet elegant this lovely bell is right at home with any architecture! Made in the late 1800’s to early 1900’s it remains in exceptionally good condition. The ribbed cast iron base has only a couple of small areas where the original varnish is missing and the nickel plated brass dome is still...
DB1080		Vintage Transformers for Electric Bells for Push Buttons These transformer were found with the bells offered as DB1081. We refer to these as “new old stock” meaning that it’s new (never been used) but old (made a long time ago). Probably made around 1950-1960 three were taken out of the package to photograph. These transformers are sold individually....
DB1079		Fancy Victorian Early 1900’s Twist Doorbell This little doorbell will go with many architectural styles but I think it looks especially nice with door hardware that repeats the beading on the outside twist. Even the little grip has beading! Not to be outdone the inside bell has a band of beading in addition to the fancy incised swirls on...
DB1075		Antique Corbin “Ceylon” Electric Door Bell with Light This is a 1895 door plate made by P & F Corbin in their Ceylon design. It has been retrofitted with a modern lighted doorbell button. Aside from making your doorbell easy to locate the light also shows the wonderful Eastlake designs. One of a kind and it can now be yours! This piece has been...
DB1073		Simple Antique Cast Bronze Doorbell Pull This little doorbell pull goes with virtually any architecture! It was made by Reading Hardware around the turn of the century of solid cast bronze. I’ve polished it enough to even up the patina and you could polish more if you wish or let it darken again. This pull is used for “through the...
DB1072		Antique Copper Fluted Doorbell Pull Made of solid cast copper in the late 1800’s this doorbell pull has aged to beautiful patina. The fluting on the knob and back plate are just fancy enough for a touch of elegance at your door. I always prefer antique hardware with patina but you could polish it as much or as little as you like....
DB1071		Ornate Antique Gong Door or Call Bell – Pull or Lever Operated This bell is not only useful it’s a true work of art. The central sunburst is surrounded by 16 different designs which give way to a tassel effect around the perimeter. Note how even that area has alternating patterns for background. That astounding iron dome sits atop a finely scalloped cast...
DB1070		Very Early 1900’s Pull Door or Call Bell - Restored With its shiny nickel dome and pristine painted cast iron base this bell is ready to install! This bell does not have a “gong” sound but rather a burring ring like the twist doorbells. It is operated by a chain or wire that can either hang down by itself or go through your wall as the lower example...
DB1069		Antique Counter, Desk or Servant Bell In days gone by attention was gained not by a loud harsh voice but with a melodic sound. A tap on the little button of this counter bell gives a little “ding” reminiscent of more gentile times – and fun to ring too! The bell works perfectly and is in very good condition. The base of the bell is...
DB1067		Ornate Victorian Cast Copper Electric Doorbell Could you ask for more Victorian detail?! Deeply incised swirls and flourishes over a finely detailed background make this unusual doorbell a real eye catcher even with its smaller size! Made of solid cast copper with dark patina in the lower areas. It has been fitted for a brand new doorbell...
DB1065		Egg & Dart Antique Electric Doorbell - Corbin "Mantua" This doorbell was made by P & F Corbin in 1905 in their Mantua pattern. Perfect for homes with the classic Egg and Dart hardware. It contains that popular pattern plus much more! Made of wrought steel with flashed copper plating. The direct photo is most true to its colors. It has been fitted...
DB1063		Antique Wood and Porcelain Electric Doorbell Button From around the turn of the century, this classic doorbell button remains in fantastic original condition. The wood has no cracks or splits and the porcelain button is bright white. A lovely piece of history to impress your guests! Note: In a more gentile time, these were also used to summon...
DB1059		Antique Cast Bronze Electric Doorbells – Two available! Made of heavy cast bronze around the turn of the century these doorbells have a wealth of Victorian era artistic metalwork! To find matching antique doorbells for two exterior doors is hard to do so this is a golden opportunity. One doorbell has a darker patina and you can let me know which one...
DB1054		Antique Brass Plated Cast Iron Electric Doorbell This turn of the century doorbell, although ornate, has a rustic appeal. It is made of brass plated cast iron and the incised designs are not as pronounced as the solid bronze or copper ones. It would be perfect for a Victorian era cottage or anywhere a sense of history is desired. It is in...
DB1052		Vintage Stamped Brass Electric Doorbell with Bakelite Button This simple brass doorbell from the 1930 - 1940’s is sure to add vintage charm to your home. Since it’s never been used it comes in its original box with brass plated mounting screws. The box says that it is BRUSHED BRASS. What that means in this case is that it is dull rather than shiny. ...
DB1051		Smaller Late 1800s Single Stroke Doorbell – Lever Operated With its plain nickel plated brass dome and ribbed cast iron base this antique doorbell makes a simple, yet elegant, statement. This doorbell is a bit smaller than the other lever bells shown here but its single melodic ring belies its size. Made by Sargent & Co. it bears a patent date of...
DB1043		Vintage Bakelite Name Tag Electric Doorbell Button This vintage pre-World War II Bakelite doorbell button was made with space for your own name tag! Since it’s never been used it comes in its original box with mounting screws. The brass mounting screws have some corrosion due to humidity over many years. Terminal screws are pristine. 2-3/8” high
DB1039		Vintage Transformer for 10V Bells – New Old Stock If you have the bell or buzzer and the outside button, here’s your transformer! We refer to this as “new old stock” meaning that it’s new (never been used) but old hardware stock. Still in its original box with the specifications on the label. Wires are still in good condition.
DB1022		Ornate Cast Bronze Victorian Doorbell Lever This heavy cast bronze doorbell lever is so exquisite it deserves a second life. It is missing the “T” handle which can open up a world of opportunity for the creative. Make a new handle of wood or bronze, hang a tassel or chain, a string of sleigh bells at Christmas….. the possibilities are...