Antique Cast Iron Door Rosette by Chicago Hardware Co. - Circa 1885

This is a hard to find cast iron door plate or escutcheon by the Chicago Hardware Company of Chicago. In 1878, a new means of opening doors was patented by Milton and Sidney Niles and manufactured by the Chicago Hardware Company. The true innovation of the Niles system is actually in the installation. The knob was designed with an extra long shank that fits directly and securely into the mortise lock, each knob activating the latch independently of the other. As advertisements of the era for Chicago Hardware exclaimed, the Niles knobs and locks were always perfectly adjusted. They effectively eliminated set screws and the washers required to adjust the fit of the doorknobs in the escutcheon plate. With the advent of the Niles patent, it was said, one need never have to worry about jiggling handles, door thicknesses and stripped screws ever again. 

Read more about the Chicago Niles line of hardware in our blog.