Door Knockers
By Anne Clarke
In what is perhaps the most famous scene from Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, Ebenezer Scrooge receives a dreadful fright from his departed partner, Jacob Marley. When the rich old curmudgeon reaches for his door knocker, it takes the form of the dead man’s face for a brief moment. It serves as a frightening preview of the ghosts that haunt Scrooge throughout the night.
Although it’s one of the most famous literary scenes involving a knocker, it wouldn’t work today. Knockers were common and practical in Dickens’ era, but they’ve since become replaced by the electric doorbell as the standard alert. Some people use them as decorative ornaments but, unlike the knockers from the mid-1800s, they serve no practical purpose.
Doorways and entrances help define the architectural style of the rest of the structure, and any elegance bestowed upon them sets a house apart from its neighbors. While the porch is a gathering place, a quality door knocker is the focal point of the entryway.
Door knockers don’t have a written history, but as long as there have been doors, there have been alerts that signal a visitor. The first known knockers were made out of wrought iron. These simple ornaments consisted of a thick ring and a plate, which were used in the 17th and 18th centuries throughout North America and Europe. Human faces (not ghastly like Jacob Marley) an animal faces were popular designs that are still used today. The craftsmanship on some of these knockers was elaborate enough to compare to the most-polished sculpture.
Basically, the purpose is to save the knuckles of visitors. Although they mainly serve as decoration, they are still made of brass, pewter, iron or stainless steel to be durable enough to withstand outdoor elements. Plus, they must be heavy enough to make a sound when they are tapped against a door. Cast iron styles have been favorites for a long time for their simplicity and sturdiness. They are also good for complimenting a Western theme.
Pewter is another popular material. The metal is actually an alloy (two or more metals mixed together); usually containing 85-99% tin and the rest copper. Lower-grade pewter has a bluish color because lead is also added. Although there is little practical use for the metal today, it’s still a popular material for decorative objects because it is easy to produce while retaining an elegant texture.
Copper is renowned for its ability to withstand the natural elements; it is the only material that doesn’t rust. Instead, it oxidizes – which means it forms a unique green cover when exposed to oxygen (think of the statue of liberty). Besides aging gracefully, copper doesn’t physically deteriorate unlike other metals. The oxidation layer makes the metal stronger, which reduces the need to replace any door knockers made out of copper.
Whether used practically or for decoration, it is an excellent way of distinguishing a house from the neighbors’. The door is the first thing a visitor sees, so why not greet them with the elegance of a beautiful door knocker?
Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for Web sites on gardening, parenting, fashion, and home decor. Her background also includes teaching, gardening, and fashion. For more of her useful articles on door knockers, please visit Door Knockers, home of many fine articles on the subject.
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