Colonial Homes and Their Furnishings

nction with it are used a latch and hinge. It possesses a dignity and charm that is most attractive, and when s

ely used during the Romanesque, the Gothic, and the Renaissance periods. For easy identification they may be divided into three classes, the first characterized by a ring, the second b

, when considering the ornamental qualities of both these types of knockers, and comparing them with latter-day productions, that they were made at a time when designers were practicall

gly material were both artistic and beautiful. Later, brass came into favor for the purpose, and it has since remained the principal knocker ma

These for the most part were very elaborate in design, showing a wonderful delicacy of wo

n of surface, replaced the finely paneled old-time ones, and with their coming disappeared the knocker and the latch. Probably the principal cause of this was the demolition of many of the old landmarks, and the substitution of dwellings of an entirely different architectural type. This innovation for a se

them and stored them away, awaiting the day of their revival, and his foresight was amply repaid when the modified colonial house came into vogue, demanding that the knocker should again be the doorw

Georgian Urn type, in use on modern house; Mexican Knocker of the Ha

usual shapes, and the ornamentation is as varied as the shapes. The most elaborate knockers depict such ideas as Medusa's head, Garlands o

ost common type has the striker round or stirrup-shaped. This is either plain or ornamented wi

te and knob are plain. This is an early type, as is shown from the fact that specimens still exist that are not unlike By

nd human figures belong to this class, and, on account of the elaborate workmanship employed, these are often f

e the escutcheon or plate by which the knocker is fastened to the door is o

erced work, and while this same motif was retained in the making of the Renaissa

even the most admirable specimens. Another fact that seems strange is that reproductions often sell for as much as genuine antiques. It would seem that the price of the old knocker would be high, on account of its historical value, and yet this type of knockers sells at a lower price than present-day specimens. Old brass examples can be purchased as lo

that they have no historic value. This fact has made reproductions of no appeal to either the collector

amining the plate and noting if it is forged to the ring or flat plate. If so, i

ers House, Danvers, Mass.; Medusa head, ela

sale. Even in this event, it is well to know the earmarks, for if one is anxious for a real antique,

he thumb latch, and the eagle. Such designs as Medusa's head, and the h

nd, indeed, during the Revolutionary War and for fifty years after, it was not ev

Wayland, Massachusetts. This originally graced the doorway of one of Salem's merchant prince's homes, but it was purchased by a dealer in antiq

and has been on the house since its erection. It was painted over some years ago by an owner who cared little for its

ammered out in those early times. This is one of the quaintest and most original knockers, and is after the pattern of the earliest designed. Subsequent specimens were more elaborate, colonial craftsmen bestowing upon them their greatest skill. Among the most ornate

uld make thrilling tales. Take, for instance, the knocker on the Craigie House at Cambridge, Massachusetts. How many men of letters from al

ount of its patriotic significance. Another interesting knocker formerly graced the house wherein the "Duchess" lived, on Turner Street, in Salem, many times lifted by Hawthorne,

rtainly unique. The plate shows a ph?nix rising from the plain brass surface, while the knocker has for ornamentation a Medieval head. This knocker ha

on the front door of the Waters house on Washington Square, Salem, being brought from the John Crowninshield dwelling, while th

narrow by-streets of London, one finds many historic specimens replaced by simple modern affairs. Some have become the prey of avaric

ll love it as long as I live. I scarcely ever looked at it before. What an honest expression it has in its face. It is a wonderful knocker." Clasped hands holding a ring of laurel is the form of the knocker still seen on the door of the famous Dr. Johnson

gate of the Duke of Devonshire's house at Piccadilly. The design here,

his type of door decoration, one being a knocker handle w

tance in house ornamentation little dreamed of a few years ago. To be sure, the coming of electric bells has precluded their necessity, but, on account of their ornamental value, it is doubt