original 19th century antique american high victorian ornamental cast bronze residential doorknob likely fabricated by the metallic compression casting company, boston, ma. the doorknob was designed and patented by joseph a. ruff in 1870. the heavy bronze metal doorknob contains a sunken center with encircled floral motif. the dark bronze enameled inlay accentuates the casting detail. 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. diameter 2-1/4".