c. 1920's original american ornamental cast bronze mutual life insurance building oval-shaped monogrammed doorknob

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SKU
UR-12285-11
cass gilbert, architect

 

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original late 1920's american ornamental cast bronze interior office door monogrammed doorknob salvaged from the new york mutual life insurance building designed by notable architect cass gilbert in 1927. the oval shaped doorknobs features a highly stylized monogram design motif in the form of the company's initials (i.e., mli co) combined to form a logo in low-relief along the face of the doorknob. likely fabricated by sargent or possibly lockwood. the 40-story tower for the new york life insurance company, one of the "big three" insurance companies, was designed by noted architect cass gilbert in 1926 and constructed in 1927-28. the building is gilbert's third and final version of the neo-gothic skyscraper in new york city, following the successful use of the style for 90 west street in 1907 and later for the 1913 woolworth building. with the new york life insurance company design, gilbert melded the neo-gothic embellishments of his earlier buildings with the cubic geometries of 1920s skyscrapers, making this building a significant transition from the historical revival-style skyscrapers of the 1900s to the art deco towers of the late 1920s. new york life's desire for a monumental headquarters building allowed gilbert to finally achieve his wish of creating a skyscraper clad in stone. details included the richly-molded surrounds of the entrance, window spandrels, and gargoyles at the roof line. the structure's pyramidal tower makes the building a distinctive contribution to the madison square neighborhood and the new york city skyline. the new york life insurance company was founded in 1841 as the nautilus insurance company in new york city. the building was constructed during the administration of president darwin p. kingsley, an internationally-renowned businessman who expanded the firm's operations and developed new types of insurance policies. the new york life building, the most prominent insurance company building constructed between world war i and the great depression, was also the last signature home office building constructed for an insurance company in new york city. it was designed to protect a strong corporate image through its sitting, style, and silhouette. rising above madison square park, the building is a powerful symbol of the new york life insurnace company's lasting stability. measures 2 1/2 x 1 1/2 inches.


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