How fun to have such a wonderful passed on gift. Just another thought...how about turning the inherited door knobs into an art display (in a shadow box, used as table art, have them hung in chandelier fashion for over a dining table).

Seems like it is going to be a lot of work and expense to make them work on your doors, so hope you don't mind my suggestion. :-)

What a nice idea! I love old doorknobs.

Since you may not get around to re-doing your downstairs doorknobs right away, why not take your time and see if you can come up with some more antique ones for the upstairs? You can find reasonably priced antique doorknobs (as well as reproductions) on eBay and Craigslist, in architectural salvage stores, antique stores, and even yardsales (if you're in an area with a lot of older homes that are being "upgraded" or demolished). On CL, check the Free category for old doors that are being given away as well as the Materials [i.e. Building Materials] category. In eastern Massachusetts where I live, I've seen old doors with hardware go for about $20 apiece. You may even find some solid wood doors that wouldn't have to be retrofitted. (Just be aware that if antique doors are painted, at least some of the layers are likely to be lead paint.)

Also, don't worry about finding door knobs that exactly match. My old house has several different styles of doorknobs, including one set that is pale lavender. (Unfortunately, I didn't notice this until I had already painted that bedroom green.) You'd want to have the rosettes or door plates be similar, of course.

P.S. If you do decide to buy new, search online for antique hardware -- there are lots of sites that are less expensive that RH.

I was thinking the same thing Marlene was. I'd find something artsy to do with them. Then if you move you don't lose them. My first thought was having them made into coat "hooks".

Here is a link that might be useful: {{!gwi}}

I think the suggestions you have gotten for creating an art piece with the old doorknobs are great. The coat rack could hang in a prominent place in the house, with a pix of your grandmother and the house hung above it. It would mean that you could enjoy those doorknobs much sooner, and have others really appreciate them and the story behind them.

Then you could replace all the doorknobs in the house with something less expensive to do (no retrofitting, etc) and get a great new look for much less money and time.

These are great ideas. Thanks!

That is a great picture you posted Becky...I love architectural elements as art...they really make a statement. If I had a set of inherited crystal knobs I would do a chandelier or something similar to that. If they are flat glass, then you might be able to use them as candlesticks to hold thin tapers. If they are two knobs connected, you can use them as as name card holders at each place setting on your dining table. Whatever you do with them, I am sure your family will be proud that you were able to give them a prominent space in your home.