[Nathan Slingerland]

So my 37-690 came with...er....let's say non-original door pulls.

[Image: https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1820/2912...12b8_n.jpg]

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?)

Thank you for anything you can provide!

[OldRestorer]

Almost...

[Kenradio]

Hi Nathan, you're doing an excellent job on restoring your 690. Here's 2 pics of the door knobs from my 37-690.   Ken

[Nathan Slingerland]

Thank you **so much** Ken - I am in your debt!

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.

[Kenradio]

Hi Nathan, I measured my knobs and they are 1" in diameter and 3/4" tall--may be brass from the looks of them.   Thanks,  Ken

[OldRestorer]

Those are 2 part knobs?
The base plate and the knob on top correct?

[Kenradio]

Hi OldRestorer, you are correct each of the knobs are in 2 parts---the base and the main knob.    Ken

[Paul Philco322]

Nathan, those look like Bendix Butterscotch knobs! Not original. 

Paul

[mikethedruid]

I found these at a site I am familiar with on the net:
https://www.pullsdirect.com/omnia-9120-2...b/p1079435
https://www.pullsdirect.com/omnia-7436-2...b/p1078984
https://www.pullsdirect.com/hickory-hard...b/p1281001
Perhaps one of these will serve if you cannot find something closer. Good luck !

[Nathan Slingerland]

Paul - yeah they're pretty awful white plastic.

Mike - thank you for the recommendations and links! I think the third one is the closest I've seen so far. A good option.

[Nathan Slingerland]

Mike - you inspired me to look for more similar knobs.

Check this one out - I think we might have a winner. It's not an exact match but has almost all of the same elements as the original.

https://www.isaaclord.co.uk/armac-martin-shutter-knob
Similar but closer to home: https://www.hardwaretree.com/proddetail....=BM-1299PB

   

[Ron Ramirez]

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.

[Nathan Slingerland]

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.

[Ron Ramirez]

Ah! I remember now...each screw is held captive within a dowel that is glued into the door where your doors now have empty holes.

In this case, it does not matter what size the screws are as long as each one can be made to fit within a 3/8" wooden dowel.

You'll likely need a drill press for this. You will want the screw hole to be centered in the dowel.

Yep...this will actually make it easier for you to replace the knobs.

[Brad Winder]

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.