This Antique Alternative To An Electric Doorbell Adds So Much Charm

Old homes are filled with charming details that modern homes just don't have. These unique features are what give older homes their character. While there are many recognizable artifacts that you might find on the inside of a vintage home, like a radiator, built-in bookshelves, or a window seat, sometimes you might spot one on the outside of the house you don't recognize. You've probably walked past an old home and noticed a knob in the center of its front door and wondered what it was. That knob was most likely the manual key for a hand-turn doorbell, the antique alternative to an electric doorbell. These hand-turn doorbells are so interesting because they pre-date electricity, instantly adding a connection to the historic charm of an older home.

The hand-turn doorbell, sometimes called a turn-key or hand-crank doorbell, was popular in the late 19th century. Once electricity was more common in homes, the manual doorbell was quickly replaced by electric versions. If you happen to own a home that has one of these antique doorbells, you are very lucky. Many were lost after being replaced by modern doorbells. It's truly a vintage home feature that is too charming to get rid of.

The beauty of an antique hand-turn doorbell is its sound and the simplicity of its mechanics. When the mechanism is turned on the outside of the door, a delightful, trilling ring is made, very similar to a bicycle bell.

If you want to add this type of bell to your home, you're in luck — they can be found pretty easily. You might think this type of antique home item is something you would only be able to find at an estate sale or expensive antique store, but they are actually available through a variety of avenues. You can find authentic antique hand-turn doorbells on eBay, Etsy, or architectural salvage shops. But even better, you can actually find beautiful reproductions that won't break the bank on websites like Antique Hardware Supply or House of Antique Hardware. While the originals can run a couple of hundred dollars or more, the reproductions average just under $100.

The beauty of adding an antique hand-turn doorbell to your home is that they are fairly easy to install, you don't need an electrician, and it adds historic authenticity. All you need to do is drill a hole for the crank mechanism to pass through, attach the key and faceplate to the front of your door, and add the bell to the inside of your door. By recreating this lovable feature that was commonly found in an 1800s home, you are adding back the original charm that was lost with time.