Travis,
In addition to the old Sear's catalogs, you might also look at those from Montgomery Ward.  In particular, there is an oversized facsimile of the Montgomery Ward catalog No. 57 that was originally printed in 1895.  The catalog facsimile reproduced by Dover Publications has good pictures and is easy to read. It has a good index in the front and includes both door knobs and period lamps.  Also, there is or was a company that made and sold reproductions of antique furniture hardware and lighting fixtures.  I have Catalog No. 75 which I think was published around 1975.  It is quite nicely illustrated but is not useful for dating.  Conceivably the company might still exist, and if so, could help you with your research.  The co. name is Period Furniture Hardware Co., Inc. and it was located at 123 Charles St., Boston, MA 02114.  The phone no. was (617) 227-0758.
Good luck.
Allen Vegotsky 


-----Original Message-----
>From: Travis Shinabarger <[log in to unmask]>
>Sent: Nov 26, 2012 7:15 PM
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Door Knobs/Lamp Fixtures
>
>Hi all,
>
>I'm brand new to this listserv. I'm an archaeologist in Alaska researching
>a shipwreck. The ship was constructed in San Francisco in 1888 and went
>down up north in 1910.  We found one piece of brass likely associated with
>the wreck. I was wondering if anyone had any idea on how to research either
>door knobs or gas lamp fixtures, which, as of now are my best guesses as to
>what the piece might be. Links to catalogs or whatever might be seen as
>appropriate would be much appreciated.
>
>Many thanks,
>
>-Travis Shinabarger