A new world record was set when Web Wilson’s September Internet hardware auction sold a rare standing elk doorknob for $9,234.

“It’s a great story,” exclaimed Web Wilson, architectural antiques dealer and Internet auctioneer. “The consignor’s father had a junk shop back in the 1970s and would scrap everything made of metal. When this doorknob came in, the son declared he was keeping it and put in the attic for 30 years.”

The standing elk doorknob was one of several very decorative doorknobs advertised by Russell and Erwin to meet the housing boom that followed the Civil War. No examples of this design were known, however, until about a year ago when one sold on the Internet for several thousand dollars. The example in Wilson’s auction was near mint and the manufacturer’s name on the reverse side was sharp and crisp, as was the patent date of June 6, 1870, that was stamped into the shank.

“There is a little more to the story also,” Wilson added. “About a year ago, when Stella Shows had a Restoration Show at the Piers in New York, we did an ad campaign built around ‘The Search for the $10,000 Doorknob.’ After reading the publicity, the consignor went up into his attic and brought this little beauty out to the market and needless to say, he is delighted”

WebWilson.com auctions set the prior world record price a few years ago when it sold a “double doggie” for $8,500 including the buyers’ premium.

“All our Internet auction buyers remain anonymous,” Wilson explained, “So they are often more comfortable when it comes to placing strong bids. People are attracted to antique hardware because of the fine bronze castings, the wonderful architectural history, and because many great discoveries are yet to be made.”

The price includes ten percent buyer’s premium.

For information, 800-508-0022 or www.oldrosehardware.com.