original early 20th century antique american interior residential decorative cast iron doorknob backplate possibly fabricated by penn or the reading hardware company, reading, pa. the refinished (i.e., brushed metal) passage door backplate contains a clear coat finish to prevent surface corrosion. the backplate contains deeply embossed neoclassical design motifs in the form of anthemions, egg & dart border, etc. the thimble or collar is free from damage.