original highly sought after 19th century antique american victorian era ornamental cast bronze figural lion doorknob manufactured by the russell & erwin mfg. co., new britain, ct. the oversized bronze residential entrance doorknob was designed and patented by ludwig kruezinger for the metallic compression casting company of boston, ma. the exceptionally detailed doorknob measures three inches in diameter. manufacturer markings lightly incised on the reverse. intricately designed and masterfully executed in deep relief. expected surface wear evident. nicely aged surface patina. 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.