seldom found and highly sought after c. 1870's antique american oversized residential entrance door figural cast bronze backplate or escutcheon designed and fabricated by the russell & erwin mfg. co., new britain, ct. the intricately designed doorknob backplate contains a very distinctive profile with richly ornamented griffins, palmettes and floriated scrollwork. the original swinging keyhole cover was removed or lost long ago. the black enameled finish found mainly in the recessed regions greatly accentuates the casting detail. very hard to find. great overall condition.