original c. 1880's antique american cast iron doorknob backplate or escutcheon made specifically to accommodate the niles "screwless spindle" doorknobs. the victorian era backplate is heavily adorned with abstract floral and geometric design motifs. fabricated by the chicago hardware co., chicago, il. intact fanciful doorknob shank thimble or collar. this type of backplate is often found with black porcelain doorknobs containing the specially made cast iron spindle. commonly found in the chicago area. measure approximately 5 1/4 x 1 1/2 inches. mostly uniform oil-rubbed bronze metallic enameled finish.