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 I have listed some of those separately so you can choose what lever you would want. Sometimes people do not need a set of both the bell and lever 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

Item #-	Item
DB1048		Simple Antique Wrought Bronze Doorbell Pull These doorbell pulls are very scarce and to find one with all its parts is very unusual. This style pull will go with any architectural style – Victorian, Craftsman, Arts & Crafts, to name a few. This pull would add so much charm to your entry! I have three bells that will work with this...
DB1047		Beaded Turn of the Century Twist Doorbell made by Sargent This elegant early 1900s set has an understated elegance that compliments most styles of architecture. The twist and grip are wrought brass or bronze that could be shined up but I personally prefer the aged look. This bell has a very melodic repeating ring with each twist of the grip. With this...
DB1046		Vintage Stamped Brass and Chrome Electric Doorbell Button This simple shiny brass doorbell button from the 1940’s is sure to add vintage charm to your home. With the little chrome push button it was considered Ultra Modern at that time! The button appears more silver "in person" because it reflects the brass in the photo. This doorbell is what...
DB1045		Victorian Antique Through-the-Wall Twist Doorbell Loads of Victorian detail adorns the twist for this turn of the century doorbell. This doorbell was set up with an extra long rod so it can be mounted on your exterior wall rather than on the door. The ornate cast bronze (copper plated?) twist has a dark caramel patina. The bell for inside is...
DB1044		Antique Turn of the Century Electric Door Bell This antique doorbell was made around the turn of the century and remains in great original condition. Created in heavy cast bronze, the detail is quite charming. Your guests will love it! The bronze has obtained a caramel patina over the years and the button is in excellent condition. As you...
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
DB1041		Antique Russell & Erwin Twist Doorbell – BARGAIN!!! Although this antique doorbell could be used “as is” it would need a small repair to operate perfectly as it did when new. Apparently the Victorian home it was in had a LOT of company! The bell operates perfectly when the twist is turned counterclockwise but when turned clockwise the gears jam. ...
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.
DB1037		Vintage Stamped Brass Electric Doorbell Button This simple brass doorbell button from the 1930’s is sure to add vintage charm to your home. Since it’s never been used it comes in its original box with mounting screws. It was patented on March 3, 1925 – says so right on the bottom! The brass is dull rather than shiny. Use “as is” or polish as...
DB1032		Early 1800s Gong Doorbell for Through-the-Wall Pull The mechanics of this doorbell are simple but the design and detail are anything but! Made in the early 1800s there are no makers marks to boast about the fantastic detail. Flowers, hearts and stylized leaves form a concentric design on the top with picketing around the edges. Amazingly I have...
DB1025		High Victorian Antique Lever Doorbell This antique doorbell came from a fine Victorian mansion and it can now be yours! Both the bell and lever are festooned with artistic metal art work. On the bell a central sunburst is surrounded by 16 different designs which give way to a tassel effect around the perimeter. Note how even that...
DB1024		Ornate Victorian Double Stroke Lever Doorbell This antique doorbell set has all the ornamentation so loved by Victorian homeowners! On the bell a four-fold tulip motif is surrounded by a ring of tiny flowers and geometrics. The lever has lots of swirls both in shape and pattern. It will be pure delight entering or leaving your home! This...
DB1023		Victorian Eastlake Pull Chain Servant or Door Bell 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 cast brass or bronze dome sits atop a finely...
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...
DB1021		Small Brass Late 1800s Single Stroke Doorbell – Lever Operated With its plain brass dome and ribbed cast iron base this antique doorbell makes a simple, yet elegant, statement. This doorbell is a bit smaller but its single melodic ring belies its size. Made by Sargent & Co. it bears a patent date of July 2, 1872 embossed on the back. The brass bell...
DB1020		Turn of the Century Eastlake Doorbell Lever This doorbell lever has the Eastlake style that was so loved during the Victorian era of the late 1800s. Made of strong cast iron that has aged to a dark patina, the details remain crisp and clear. This lever is a bit larger than normal and won’t escape attention at your front door! This lever...
DB1019		Late 1800s Single Stroke Doorbell – Pull or Lever Operated This is a neat old cast iron doorbell that can be used with either a lever or a pull. It has a lovely starburst surrounded with worn flowers that are still quite visible. A lever or doorbell pull causes a resounding single ring that can be heard throughout the house. A nice change of pace from...
DB1018		Victorian Doorbell Lever with Hand Painted Porcelain Knob This is the most unusual antique doorbell lever I have ever seen! A lovely hand painted porcelain knob sits atop the ornate cast iron arm and back plate. The condition is absolutely fantastic! The hand painting shows no wear and the original varnish has only a few places where it is missing. I...
DB1016		Ornate Victorian Lever Doorbell Circa 1887 Stunning metal artistry adorns both the bell and lever of this fantastic antique doorbell! The pull has aged to an almost black iron patina while the bell dome retains a hint of the original bronze wash. This antique doorbell is sure to impress your guests! The bell sounds a hearty GONG each time...
DB1015		Craftsman Turn of the Century Lever Doorbell This doorbell set has the Craftsman style feel even though it was manufactured in the late 1800s. The large bell gives a hearty GONG with a pull on the elegantly simple lever. It would also go very well with a Victorian, Mission or Arts & Crafts home. The bell has patent dates of July 1872 and...