remarkably well-designed and finely cast original 19th century antique american ornamental solid bronze metal backplate or escutcheon with matching doorknob designed and fabricated by the russell & erwin mfg. co., new britain, ct. the intricately detailed oversized backplate retains the original swinging keyhole cover plate. the recessed regions of the backplate show sporadic oxidation. the doorknob features a symmetrical design of a central flower motif inside a central band and with foliated scrollwork outside. 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.