That hardware is copper plated and the thin copper coating is wearing off. To maintain the look you have 3 choices 1) leave them the way they are 2) remove them and have them replated 3) poke around the net and see if you can find replacements.

Okay Thank you. I will check into those options. Any idea what kind of place would replate them?

I'd be adventurous enough to take that knob off and try it myself!

Here is a link that might be useful: Copper Plating

Thanks. I checked out the link and not so sure i'm as adventurous as you... but has my interest.....just I have a lot more doors....

Thanks for the info!

I'd hit it up with some clear coat after carefully polishing (or better yet, polishing + replating) them.

Ours are copper plated too. We've cleaned and polished them all, then left the worn off parts as "patina" and clear coated them to prevent further wear. I say "embrace" the wear... your house is old after all.

Great suggestions.. Thanks! Think I'm going to check into the diy replate...sounds quite interesting.

I know this is an old thread but I'm so glad I found it! I just had the same "Holy crap this is copper plate..." moment as Candeelyn while cleaning paint off of old door hardware. Most is completely worn off on the plate fronts and handles. I'm going to call some plating places before I try the GRAND KITCHEN EXPERIMENT.

Never tried it but I see there are products like JAX Copper Plating Solution which "instantly plates copper onto iron, steel, brass and solders without heat or electricity." I have used wipe on silver plating solutions for decorative projects, with good results. Such solutions deposit a thin layer which can eventually wear or tarnish, so a protective spray-on clear coating may be a good idea.