Vintage 15-Lite French Interior Door with Original Hardware
Unbranded (Likely a regional millwork manufacturer) · Vintage Items > Architectural Salvage
Era / Decade
Early 1920s to 1940s (Era clues: Mortise lock construction, brass hardware style, and true divided lite mullions)
Material
Solid Douglas Fir or Pine wood; original wavy/cylinder glass panes; brass door handle and escutcheon plate; steel hinges.
Condition
Fair to Good (Salvage Condition). The wood shows significant paint chippings and surface wear consistent with age. Glass panes appear mostly intact but require deep cleaning. Original hardware is present, which is a major value plus, though it shows heavy patina.
Demand Level
Strong. Architectural salvage is a steady market, especially for French doors which are frequently used in modern home renovations (Modern Farmhouse style).
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
$150.00 - $350.00 (Low: $150 as-is for DIY projects; High: $350 if hardware is polished and wood is stripped/primed)
Estimated Retail Value
$600.00 - $900.00 (Cost for a new solid wood custom true-divided-lite door with hardware)
Comparable Sales
Similar 15-lite doors without hardware sell for $75-$125. Those with complete original hardware and intact glass consistently reach $250-$350 in metropolitan markets like Austin, Nashville, or Portland.
Description
Stunning architectural salvage 15-lite French interior door. This piece features true divided lites (individual panes of glass) and retains its original period-correct brass latch hardware and decorative escutcheons. The wood is solid, heavy, and features the character-rich textures only found in antique millwork. Ideal for use as a pantry door, home office entry, or repurposed as a decorative wall piece or wedding backdrop. Approximate dimensions: Standard 30\" x 80\" profile (buyer to verify).
Key Features
True Divided Lites (15 panes); Original antique brass hardware; Solid old-growth wood construction; Wavy glass character; Highly desirable for farmhouse and Victorian restoration aesthetics.
Authenticity Indicators
Mortise lock pocket construction; square-headed nails or period-specific joinery; natural wear patterns on the handle. Confidence level: High.
Flaws to Note
Significant paint peeling (likely contains lead-based paint - handle with care); heavy surface grime; potential wood rot at the very bottom edge (common in damp storage); surface oxidation on metal hardware.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
Facebook Marketplace (best for local pickup due to weight); Etsy (if willing to handle freight); Local architectural salvage yards; Antique malls with booth space.
Selling Tips
Do not fully strip the paint unless you have the proper PPE for lead; many buyers prefer the 'shabby chic' original chippy look. Measure the height, width, and thickness exactly. Highlight the 'True Divided Lites' as modern cheap versions use fake plastic grids. Clean the glass carefully to make the listing photos pop.