{"product_id":"victorian-brass-door-hardware-display-reading-co-lockset-key","title":"Victorian Brass Door Hardware Display | Reading Co. Lockset \u0026 Key | Circa Late 19th to early 20th Century","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical Context \u0026amp; Origin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e United States\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cast brass hardware mounted on a wooden demonstration board\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeriod:\u003c\/strong\u003e Late 19th to early 20th century\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDescription\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis exceptional antique door hardware display showcases an original \u003cem\u003eReading Hardware Company\u003c\/em\u003e lockset and hinge assembly, mounted on a custom wooden demonstration board. Likely used historically as a showroom sample or sales demonstration piece, it presents a complete and highly decorative example of early American architectural hardware design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the center of the display is an ornate cast brass escutcheon plate paired with a richly detailed round doorknob. The backplate features intricate high-relief scrolling foliage, floral motifs, and classical design elements typical of late Victorian and early 20th-century decorative hardware. The doorknob itself is equally detailed, with ribbed edges and floral ornamentation radiating from the center, creating a bold and tactile presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeneath the knob is a clearly marked lock cylinder stamped \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e“Reading”\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e, identifying the maker as the Reading Hardware Company, a well-known American manufacturer of architectural hardware during this period. The inclusion of the original key, suspended on a small chain beneath the lock, enhances both authenticity and visual appeal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe right side of the display features a matching cast brass strike plate with complementary scrolling decoration, along with a large, fully articulated decorative hinge adorned with elaborate floral and foliate patterns. The hinge is oversized and highly ornamental, emphasizing both craftsmanship and the importance of visible hardware in period interior design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA side view reveals the mortise lock mechanism embedded within the wooden board, offering insight into how the internal components align with the external hardware. This detail strongly supports its use as a demonstration or showroom display. The reverse side further highlights the construction, reinforcing the completeness of the set. The entire assembly is mounted on a polished wooden base, allowing it to stand as a freestanding display piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Authentic Reading Hardware Company lockset with marked cylinder\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Includes ornate cast brass doorknob, escutcheon plate, hinge, and strike plate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Mounted on a wooden demonstration board with integrated base\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Original key present and suspended on chain\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- High-relief decorative detailing with floral and scrolling motifs\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Visible mortise lock mechanism from side profile\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Likely original showroom or sales demonstration display\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Freestanding and ready for display\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCultural Significance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Reading Hardware Company was one of the leading producers of architectural hardware in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Their products were widely used in residential and commercial buildings, combining functional engineering with elaborate decorative design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall very good antique condition for display. The brass components exhibit a warm aged patina with areas of oxidation, surface wear, and minor scratches consistent with age and use. The wooden mounting board shows expected wear, including light scuffs and minor finish variations. The hardware appears largely complete, and the key is present.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions (Approximate)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWidth: 17.5 in\u003cbr\u003eDepth: 7 in\u003cbr\u003eHeight: 17.5 in\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAge (Approximate)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e100–130 years old\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLearn More\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExplore the history of the \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca title=\"The Reading Hardware Company – History and Designs\" href=\"https:\/\/trivetology.com\/2020\/11\/01\/the-reading-hardware-company\/\"\u003eReading Hardware Company\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e and its architectural designs\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrowse our \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca title=\"Explore Functional Tools and Mechanical Implements – Relic \u0026amp; Rarity\" href=\"https:\/\/relicandrarity.com\/collections\/functional-tools-ancient-implements-craft\"\u003eCollection of Functional Tools \u0026amp; Mechanical Implements\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Relic and Rarity","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52814457045314,"sku":null,"price":1200.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0955\/1803\/2194\/files\/antique-reading-hardware-brass-door-lock-display.png?v=1774624798","url":"https:\/\/relicandrarity.com\/es\/products\/victorian-brass-door-hardware-display-reading-co-lockset-key","provider":"Relic \u0026 Rarity","version":"1.0","type":"link"}