Denmark’s first wood lathes from the 1700s marked a new era in door handle production, requiring significantly less energy than metal working, with water power being extensively used. With the arrival of the steam engine in the 1800s, new possibilities emerged as metal lathes became a reality. Metal door handles existed as early as the 1600s, many sand-cast in iron. These early handles were cast and polished without lathe work, often surface-treated with patina or paint, typically in black finish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Historic Collection<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In our archives, we find the Hansen & S\u00f8e Jensen Copenhagen Door Handle Factory catalogue from around 1900. This historic document showcases an impressive collection of wooden door handles, with many design elements still inspiring our contemporary collections. The wooden handles of that era were often crafted from Ebony, Palisander, and White Oak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wartime Innovation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

During World War I and II, Denmark experienced an acute shortage of brass, as the material was prioritized for ammunition. This led to extensive production of wooden door handles – a period where S\u00f8e Jensen & Co. demonstrated remarkable adaptability and innovation. At Godth\u00e5bsvej 6, the production and sale of wooden door handles reached unprecedented levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n