early 20th century chicago public works department monogrammed doorknobs likely fabricated by either p. & f. corbin or yale & towne. the doorknobs contain fanciful overlapping letters representing the public works department, which is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and construction of the public infrastructure of the city of chicago. the cast brass doorknobs were salvaged from a downtown chicago administrative building. the knobs measure approximately 2 1/4 inches in diameter.