I know there's no chance of finding the actual thing - so rather than seeking knobs outright I seek information instead.
I'd like to start scouring the web for replacements - hopefully I can find a vintage knob that's close.
If you've got a 37-690 handy here is what I need:
- close-up photos of the correct knobs (from a couple of different angles would be ideal)
- measurement of the diameter and height of the knobs
- guess as to material (brass? bronze?)
Wow - they're a bit different than I initially thought based on other (further away) photos.
If you don't mind - can you tell me the diameter and height of the knobs?
With this info in hand I should have a good chance of finding something close.
Better make sure any replacement knobs you use will fit onto the (captive) screws in the doors. I don't remember the thread they use, it's either 6-32 or 8-32. And I mentioned captive screws...you can't get the screws out without damaging the doors, the screw heads are inside the plys of wood in the doors so the screws are not removable. So you have to work with what you have.
That said, the knobs you just linked to and pictured above look as if they would be great replacements, Nathan - IF they fit the screws. Check your screws and see. If they are 8-32 and you get knobs threaded for 6-32 screws, you could drill and re-tap. If the reverse is true, well, I suppose you could figure out something.
That's great info Ron. I was so focused on the knob appearance I didn't give any thought to how they would be attached.
Of course as usual my 37-690 is 'a bit different'.
I tried unscrewing the white knobs to see what threads were there - and the answer is: none. They're just held on by friction in a 3/8" hole.
They back of the door isn't affected - the original captive screws have been removed somehow. Kind of impressive actually - the door is otherwise intact.
I guess in a sense this is good news for attaching the knobs - I could use wood-working epoxy to embed machine screws of the required size.
I bought very similar knobs at Lee Valley, for my 37-690... they are the same design, but just a slightly larger diameter. It's been 20 years since I bought them though, so they may not carry them anymore.
