Corbin No. 2 Model 131, Solid Brass Potbelly Door Closer, c.1927 | Salvaged Industrial Hardware

This is an authentically urban salvaged (from the Chicagoland area) vintage Corbin Model 131 brass valve, a heavy-duty industrial component — namely, an industrial door stopper — dating back to the late 1920s–early 1930s. Cast from solid brass & marked with the original Corbin badge & U.S. Patent No. 1,629,251 (which was filed in 1927), this lever-operated valve was engineered for regulating steam, gas, or other pressurized systems in factories & mechanical works. Although, as previously mentioned, knowing the building this piece was salvaged from, it was almost certainly used as a a door stopper. Its solid construction & aged patina speak to nearly a century of durability.

The valve measures with a robust, compact form & features a manual lever arm with geared adjustment teeth, allowing for precise control. Its embossed Corbin maker’s plate remains clearly visible, showcasing the company’s commitment to detail & branding. Corbin, founded in the mid-19th century, is best remembered for its hardware & locks but also manufactured industrial-grade components that embodied American ingenuity & craftsmanship.

Collectors of antique tools & industrial equipment will value this piece for its authenticity & history, while steampunk & industrial décor enthusiasts will appreciate its rugged aesthetic. Whether displayed as a conversation piece, repurposed in design, or preserved in a collection of early 20th-century engineering artifacts, this heavy duty Corbin hardware is a remarkable example of American industrial heritage.