well-made 19th century ornamental cast bronze passage size doorknob designed and patented by john joseph charles smith for the boston metallic compression casting company, boston, ma. the banded rim bronze metal doorknob features a palmette border and centrally located rosette surrounded by intricate leafage. the doorknob was fabricated by metallic compression casting co., boston, ma. surface wear evident. traces of an old gold leaf inlay remains partially intact. 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. similar doorknobs available.