Just as the computer hasn't completely kicked the handwritten note to the realm of obscurity, so too the doorbell hasn't KO'ed the knocker from entryways everywhere. There's just something about gripping a hefty piece of metal and rapping it against a sturdy wood portal that says, "I have arrived!" And, on the flip side, a well-chosen knocker can send a message about exactly what kind of home you've come to (try that, Mr. Plastic Pushbutton). In the following slides, you'll find some truly knockout knockers, from simple, wrought-iron rings befitting a rustic cottage to intricately ornate brass lion heads that would look right at home guarding the door of an Italianate villa. Traditional or modern, antique or reproduction, stately or with a touch of whimsy—cast-bronze Chihuahua, anyone?—a knocker is an easy and affordable calling card for your house's personality. And you can't knock that. Shown, the bronze finish on this nearly 2-pound knocker was hand-buffed along its curves and relief areas to let a hint of the solid brass below shine through.

With its medieval flavor and hand-forged twist detail, this black iron knocker would be right at home on a Spanish Mission–style house. Less weighty than its neighbor to the left—and a lot lighter on the made of cast brass with House of Antique Hardware Though not hand-forged like its early-16th-century inspiration, this silver-patina ring's subtle imperfections can add character to an entry. Streamlined and sculptural, this brushed-nickel ring borrows its sleek lines from Art Deco designs. martin garage door factory direct The Gothic look and dark finish of this vintage cast-iron triangle would work well on a Tudor Revival home. auto glass repair pleasant hill ca While most door knockers are at least 3 or 4 inches long, a miniature version like this 2-inch cast-bronze shield could work as a nice architectural feature for an interior door to a bedroom or powder room. sliding glass doors brisbane

the ornate, pictorial styles of the Victorian era, the motif on this cast-metal knocker mixes a traditional American symbol of welcome, the pineapple, with the Japanese-inspired trailing vines popular in the late 19th century. As befits a bear, this knocker is solid and substantial, but its hand-friendly shape and delicately rendered details make for a surprisingly warm welcome. Brass with bronze finish, about $40; A rustic pinecone is just the thing to welcome guests to your woodland cabin. 1 2 hp garage door opener searsBrass with bronze finish, about $62; The animal head—a popular 18th-century door-knocker motif—gets a 21st-century update in sand-cast bronze. If you're not into boxers, the hand-polished, lacquered line also includes a Chihuahua, beagle, bulldog, and dachshund. Deck your front door with the traditional early-American symbol of welcome and hospitality.

Brass pineapple, about $140; For centuries, lions have been used as symbolic protectors of the home. This richly detailed cast-brass reproduction of an early-19th-century knocker was burnished by hand to give it an authenticallyHouse of Antique Hardware Ancient Romans regarded the oak tree, which can grow to 120 feet tall, as a symbol of strength and Celtic tradition held that doorways bedecked with oak branches and acorns would protect those inside. So guard your entrance with this red brass oak leaf and acorn knocker. Perfect for a complementing the rustic symmetry of a Prairie or Craftsman style home, this black iron ring is hand forged and engraved with a simple arrow. If animals and fruits aren't your style, a classic urn-inspired knocker, like this satin nickel-plated one, should do just the trick. Evoking the clean, balanced beauty of molding, this solid brass striker works especially well with the structured facades of Federal and Italianate style homes.

If the entrance to your home is surrounded by elaborate scrollwork, dormers and other such decorative detailing, keep the opulent theme going with an equally ornate doorknocker. Perfect for a highly symmetrical home, whether its Mission or Modern, a unique and sleek rectangle will be sure to catch visitor's eyes. In keeping with its historic Victorian era reproduction design, this heavy cast iron striker boasts an authentic aged patina. Based on an authentic colonial era design, this hand-forged fleur-de-lis knocker is both regal and rustic. Like garnish on a culinary dish, this matte black striker's detailing complements the scrolled gables, vergeboard trim and other decorative details common to Gothic Revival home. It's powder coated matte black finish resists rust. Modeled after the short-legged hunting dog (and a national symbol of Germany), this solid bronze knocker is hand-polished and coated with a clear lacquer. Adorn your door with a sculptural striker like this solid yellow brass, lacquered pear.

The fruit, which has been known to signify both health and justice, may bring you some good luck too. About $120 Colby Smith Bring some romance to your abode with this traditional Celtic design. The entwined hearts are sand cast in solid brass. About $140 Colby Smith A knocker that is sparsely ornamented is just the thing for a verdant Craftsman cottage or austere Colonial. This charming solid bronze woodpecker will be sure to call both you and your guest's attention. For a great first impression, look for uniquely shaped strikers like this solid brass one, whose curves are reminiscent of a perfume bottle. Designed for a stately house, this solid brass lion head was hand-finished in a fourth-generation New York foundry. The Galleries of Harvest Commons Click here to see our warehouse full of antiques that just arrived and are waiting for you! Rothrock Collection-Fine Antiques and collectibles A truly outstanding of hard to find antiques such as;

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