Why Important
With a heritage building, first impressions matter. Even small signs of inappropriate style or material stands out, and can suggest that unsympathetic changes have made which can devalue the whole property.
What to look for
Although there are several designs of door handle used in 19th century, there is a common design. This design is found on main doors only and has a raised rectangular backplate with a rectangular drop handle.
Earlier types of original main door handle include a decorative ‘French’ drop handle on a cast rectangular or occasionally oval backplate, and plain oval, round 255 or octagonal brass fixed knobs.
When to look
When the initial detailed survey is undertaken. Collect photographs of the existing situation.
Undertake annual inspections or when the building has a change of use/occupancy.
How to fix
Second-hand cast brass handles can usually be found in antique shops and new brass reproduction handles can be purchased.
Avoiding creating problems
Do not use inappropriate period style or material (e.g. Plastic). Discover when the building was built, and use the designs appropriate to that original style.
Historical background
Builders & Architect Catalogues were often used to select finishes and styles for the original building. The Wirral Archives may be good places to research what was available at the time.