Antique Doorknob Prices Going Up

In a classic example of supply and demand, the prices for large quantities of antique doorknobs of any condition have made some big moves upward recently and the trend will probably continue. Seems there are several companies out there using the knobs as components in a number of different pieces -- everything from walking canes, to coat racks to wine stoppers. These companies are buying large quantities of knobs and that demand is driving prices north. Glass, metal or wood, painted or chipped, it doesn't matter, as long as it's old. I recently tried to act as a middleman and use my connections to secure a large quantity of knobs for a buyer, and make a little money for my efforts, and found two things. One, large quantities, i.e. hundreds or thousands, are difficult to come by, and two, prices on even the lower quality knobs have already gone up because most dealers are aware of the demand.