original and fully functional 19th century elaborately designed cast iron mail slot cover salvaged from a towering entrance door once apart of a large scale chicago brewing complex undergoing demolition. the antique american mail slot dates to the late 1870's and was likely manufactured by the russell & erwin hardware company of new britain, ct. the mail slot contains a very fanciful slightly raised design consistent with the victorian era. foliated scrollwork and interweaving geometric design motifs used throughout. the oversized opening is especially useful for accepting large letters and small packages. russell & erwin was primarily a manufacturer of padlocks, door locks and door hardware. it also sold kitchen items, including food choppers and notably, gem pans of the design originally patented by nathaniel waterman of boston. the company originated when russell, erwin, and frederick t. stanley formed a partnership in 1839 to produced builders' hardware. by 1851 the partnership was reorganized as joint stock company known as russell & erwin, which lasted until 1902 when the company merged with p & f corbin. measures approximately 11 x 4 inches. the mail slot has been brushed down to bare metal and sealed with a clear coat lacquer. multiple oversized mail slot available, with at least 1-2 slot identical to this listing in design and finish.