Brass door handles by Timo Sarpaneva for Primo Oy

Designed by the celebrated Finnish designer Timo Sarpaneva and manufactured by Primo Oy in the 1960s, this elegant door handle is a rare example of Scandinavian Modern hardware. Illustrated in the book Sarpaneva (Otava, 1986, p. 238), it highlights Sarpaneva’s distinctive ability to elevate everyday objects into refined design statements.

Made of brass and iron, the handle combines durability with a warm golden surface that has developed a natural patina over time. Its minimalist proportions and modernist lines reflect the mid-century emphasis on functional beauty. Both a collectible artifact and a practical element of interior design, it represents the modernist spirit of 1960s Finland.

Details:
Designer: Timo Sarpaneva
Manufacturer: Primo Oy, Finland
Period: 1960–1969
Materials: Brass, Iron
Color: Brass/Gold
Dimensions: Width 12 cm × Depth 3.5 cm × Height 2.3 cm
Condition: Good vintage condition with patina consistent with age and use

This piece has been attributed through archival documentation, including vintage catalogs and design literature. A rare opportunity to own an authentic mid-century Scandinavian door handle designed by one of Finland’s most influential modernists.

Please note that there are five complete sets and two additional pairs of handles missing the middle rod. Price shown is for each pair.

Timo Sarpaneva (1926–2006)
Timo Sarpaneva was one of Finland’s most influential designers, internationally renowned for his work in glass, textiles, and industrial design. A central figure of Scandinavian Modernism, he combined artistic expression with functional innovation. Sarpaneva collaborated with leading Finnish manufacturers such as Iittala and Primo, and his designs are represented in major museum collections worldwide.

Primo Oy
Primo Oy was a Finnish manufacturer active during the mid-20th century, known for producing high-quality metalwork and hardware. Collaborations with leading designers like Timo Sarpaneva positioned Primo within Finland’s modernist design movement, where functional everyday objects were reimagined with elegance, innovation, and enduring craftsmanship.