Today we're going to dive into a piece of hardware history - the intriguing mortice door knob. We bet you've twisted plenty of those vintage-looking knobs on old buildings without ever wondering what they're called or how they work. But we're going to give you the inside scoop!
Mortice Knobs; what are they?
When we come across those sturdy old door knobs made of brass, bronze or steel, with their smooth turn and solid feel, we know we've encountered the mortice-style knob. What exactly does that mean? Basically, "mortice" refers to the cavity or hole that's chiselled into the actual thickness of the door to hold the knob mechanism.
Unlike more modern knobs that get screwed onto the surface, mortice knobs get installed right into a mortise inside the door itself. This means when you look at a mortice knob, you won't see any unsightly exterior plates or screws around the base. The knob is seamlessly flush against the door for a really integrated, almost hidden look.
How it works;
Now let's get into the good stuff - the mechanics! A mortice knob has two main functioning parts: the external knob that we grip and turn by hand, and the internal lock components hidden inside the mortise cavity. These inner workings are what make the mortice knob so unique.
The external knob handle and its round rose or base plate are on the exterior side of the door. But the lock and spindle live inside the mortise on the interior side. A follower screw runs through the full thickness of the door to connect the external and internal pieces. When we turn that handsome knob handle, it activates the latch bolt inside the door via the follower screw's motion.
This is why mortice knobs have such a smooth, solid operation - all the inner mechanisms are embedded inside the door itself, rather than applied on top. We never feel any wobble or looseness when we turn one, because the knob and lock function as a singular integrated piece.
Mortice benefits explained;
Now you may be wondering about the benefits of choosing a mortice door knob. For high-traffic doors, they're an excellent choice thanks to their durability and security. With no exterior fixtures, they're much harder to tamper with or break. We find them on doors in hotels, businesses, schools - any building that sees constant daily use. Mortice knobs are built to last!
We also love the vintage aesthetics of mortice knobs. There's something about the handsome antiqued brass or bronze finishes that look so classy and elegant. Mortice knobs allow us to add a touch of timeless architectural flair. And the lack of visible hardware or inner workings gives a really clean look.
So the next time you encounter one of those solid, seamless knobs in an old building, you can impress your friends with your newfound knowledge! No visible screws, integrated right into the door itself, and more secure than modern options - those are the telltale signs of a classic mortice door knob.
You can buy Mortice Door Knob from the given link.
Burlington Berkeley Mortice Door Knob