Strange door knob, but to what??

[vhs07]

I have an old all brass door knob mechanism that I can't figure out what it went to.
There's no writing on it that I can see. Never seen one like it. Anybody?

Thanks,
Charles

 

[pippinwhitepaws]

closet door...perhaps a pantry

 

[Back-of-the-boat]

That is very interesting, I have never seen one like that but something I noticed is the flat plate knob side is actually a handle mechanism also, as it has no holes to fasten it down I would assume the plate would go into a L type bracket mounted to wall and that was in essence the lock. Awesome one of a kind find. I am computer illiterate otherwise I would illustrate what I mean hopefully someone else will get the gist of what I mean and they can do a mock up of how it would work.

 

[vhs07]

I should mention that it's heavy and very well made. Much more so than one would find in a residence. I think I understand what Back-of-the-boat is saying, and that's a good possibility. My first thought was the knob might act as a type of cam that might operate a lever.
I would still like to know for sure.

Charles

 

[bigfoot1]

following is my best guess as I have been unable to locate a picture of one.The thickness of the door it was used on and the interior latch portion indicate perhaps the hardware for an ice house or such.

 

[SusanMN]

Outhouse latch and doorknob?

 

[curt_in_wmass]

My thoughts are it was used on a half door somewheres,the actual round door knob was on outside,on inside the smaller round handle was used by perhaps a store owner or bank telller...think wider part fit into an area where it could have been latched or locked and unlocked/unlatched and smaller round knob lifted above a catch to open door...Just my 2 cents worth.

 

[curt_in_wmass]

following is my best guess as I have been unable to locate a picture of one.The thickness of the door it was used on and the interior latch portion indicate perhaps the hardware for an ice house or such.

Very good suggestion,hadnt thought of this before my post.