Pallo door knobs by Timo Sarpaneva

Our recent stories have been appearing a bit sporadically, and in all fairness, we'd like to tell you why. No, it is not because we'd be in the middle of some laborious renovation project. Quite the contrary, nearly all projects are temporarily on hold, as other things in life seem to require much of our focus at the moment. Together with some business partners, Pekka just started his third company in addition to the two existing ones - perhaps a word or two more about that later. Minna, on the other hand, is finishing things at the office and preparing to switch gears for a while to focus on a very specific personnel development project of the soon-to-be-growing Team Olive Green. Summing it all up - quite exciting!

But we are, and never will be too busy to miss an opportunity to visit local auctions when something interesting strikes our interest. A little while back Pekka spotted some familiar looking door knobs while browsing through items to be auctioned here in Helsinki - fours sets of Pallo door handles (1964) by Timo Sarpaneva for Finnish manufacturer Primo.

Four sets for four doors. A perfect match

Timo Sarpaneva (1926-2006) was one of the most celebrated Finnish designers of all time, and one of those talented individuals whose work established Finland on the global map of design. Today, Sarpaneva's designs can be found both in homes and museums around the world, extending from utility glassware and art glass to textiles and graphics. While working for Iittala glass factory he also created Iittala's "i" logo, which still serves as the symbol of the company. Iittala's selection also includes a cast iron pot designed by Sarpaneva, which has become an internationally recognised design icon.

But back to the Pallo door knobs. Yes, as the set of four was clearly perfect for the four doors downstairs, Pekka just had to have them, end of discussion. And only a few hours later after his first bid, he was already in the bunker greeting the knobs with a warm bubble bath, as he does with most of the incoming old things covered with dirt and dust.

Restoring shine!

Just to be sure they were clean enough, he left the pieces in the warm water for some time.

Underwater view

After the bath the door knobs were rinsed and ready for a closer inspection to determine their current condition.

All washed and good to go

Once again, Pekka's sixth sense did not let us down. Apparently there were a few of the smaller parts missing, but for his DIY personality, this would be nothing to worry about. Those replacement parts can either be made or sourced. Either way, he would not mind at all!

Nearly complete set

So now, the first Pallo door knob has already been installed to the bunker door and it looks and feels fantastic! Incidentally, the door handles were launched the same year when our home was build in 1964. Also, there were exactly four sets for the four doors downstairs (although three of the doors are actually still missing). So call it a luck, or whatever, we may have once again found another match made in MCM heaven!

One down, three to go