I have the Emtek oil rubbed bronze finish- with melon knobs and trenton backplate. I have 8' doors on the first floor and needed the large backplate. My house is 2 years old, and I have had no problems yet with the darkened finish wearing off on the frequently used doors. The crystal knobs will look fantastic for a vintage look, which rosette are you thinking of? I can't give you any input about the flat black finish, but I am extremely happy with the ORB and the overall quality... it took me weeks to decide!

Thanks, hometime! I am having some kind of a mental block with this door hardware decision- I'm now going to have to pay to expedite shipping since I put it off for so long. I have the shorter doors, but some higher ceilings so I think I can handle a taller backplate. I love the #8 rosette. Does anyone have that? I am trying to add character to the house with each fixture I change out, but I get cold feet with some of these choices! I love oil-rubbed bronze, but wonder if the flat black is more vintage feeling?

Hometime, I meant to say that I looked up the trenton backplate and it is fabulous! I am intrigued by the melon knob, too- it looks really comfortable to grip, if that makes any sense. Very dramatic!