original and intact victorian era c. 1870's heavy ornamental bronze "plumed helmet" knight figural doorknob and matching oversized entrance door escutcheon fabricated by the metallic compression company, boston, mass. the exceptionally detailed entrance size doorknob was designed by ludwig kruzinger for the metallic compression casting co., boston, ma. the design was patented on june 7, 1870. manufacturer markings are incised on the backside of the doorknob and along the shank. the backplate retains the original swinging keyhole cover. the patent date is lightly incised on the escutcheon's thimble. nicely aged patina on the doorknob and backplate. very little surface wear evident. metallic compression manufactured "house trimmings", such as knobs, hinges, escutcheons, bell pulls, along with dies for printing wall paper, and for bookbinders, and a variety of articles. the inventions of charles and michael smith, introduced with complete success into practical operation by the metallic compression casting company at their foundry in bomerville, near boston, revolutionized metallurgic art, so far as casting is concerned. by employing the patented process developed by smith and mason, metal was taken from the mould, not with a rough surface, as in all the heretofore known modes of casting, but as smooth and perfectly finished as a coin or medal struck by a die. great overall condition. priced for the pair.