late 1890's original emblematic doorknob with backplate from a 19th century state of massachusetts government building. the exact building from which the hardware was salvaged from remains unknown. the doorknob and backplate were manufactured by the yale & towne hardware co., stamford, ct. the oval-shaped doorknob features the seal of massachusetts, consisting of a an indian dressed in a shirt and moccasins, holding in his right hand a bow, and in his left hand an arrow, pointing downward and, in the upper corner of the field, above his right arm, a star with five points. the shield's shape is called "plantagenet"; the native american model used was of the algonquin nation; the arrow points downward to indicate that the indian is peaceful; and the star indicates that massachusetts was one of the original thirteen states; it was sixth. the sword illustrates the latin motto, "ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem" which means, "by the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty". the cast iron hardware retains much of the original bower and barff finish.