original american high victorian ornamental cast bronze exterior residential doorbell lever fabricated by the metal compression casting company, boston, ma. the remarkably detailed bronze hardware fixture contains a backplate replete with anthemion and/or palmette motifs, along with flowing leafage and scrollwork. the oversized lever pull features a beaded rim knob with slightly sunken center containing a delicate floral rosette. the nicely aged patina was preserved under layers of paint. the diminutive bronze chain on the backside remains intact. traces of the senseless paint job remain in recessed regions. the chain was originally connected to a pull cord that ran directly to the bell. when the lever was pulled downward, the bell (mounted flush against a vestibule wall) was struck by a hammer mounted within the bell housing. the other components were removed long ago. the 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.