3 vintage front door knocker designs that you can make yourself

This is an article from the Journal of Crafts, a publication that promoted the arts and crafts movement in the Victorian era. The article provides three vintage front door knocker designs that you can make yourself using metal work techniques. The designs are simple, elegant and ornate, reflecting the style of the period.

Introduction

A door knocker is a piece of hardware that is attached to a door and used to alert people inside that someone is at the door. It usually consists of a metal ring or a plate that is mounted on the outside of the door, and a hinged piece of metal that swings back and forth to make a knocking sound when struck by the ring or plate. When visitors arrive, they can use the knocker to announce their presence, rather than using a doorbell or knocking on the door with their hand. Vintage English door-knockers are often decorative, with intricate designs and shapes that reflect the style of the time period in which they were made.

Door knockers can also be called door knock rings or simply knockers. In some regions or cultures, they may have different names or variations in design, such as the dobryk in Russia or the gong in China.

Vintage English Door Knockers

Vintage English door knocker designs are known for their unique and intricate designs, often featuring intricate details and decorative elements. They can come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, from the traditional lion's head or hand-shaped knockers to more elaborate designs featuring animals, mythological figures, and other ornamental elements. These designs are often crafted from high-quality materials like brass, bronze, or iron, and can add a touch of elegance and character to any home's front door. Additionally, vintage English door knockers are often considered to be functional pieces of art, as they not only serve a practical purpose but also contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal of a home.

Vintage door knockers are considered by some as a collectible antique. They are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts due to their historical significance, intricate designs, and craftsmanship. Some vintage English door knockers can date back to the Georgian and Victorian eras, making them rare and valuable. In addition, door knockers can be considered functional pieces of art, as they serve a practical purpose while also adding aesthetic value to a home.

Vintage English door knocker design with female face

Classic Victorian era door knocker design

Decorative uses for vintage door knockers

Vintage door knockers can be repurposed and used in a variety of decorative ways. These are just a few examples of the many decorative alternative uses for vintage door knockers:

Wall decor: Door knockers can be hung on walls to add a unique and vintage touch to any room. They can be grouped together in a collage or used as a focal point on their own.
Bookends: Heavy door knockers can be used as bookends to hold books in place on a shelf or table.
Garden decor: Vintage door knockers can be used in gardens or outdoor spaces as part of a decorative display or to hold up plants.
Coat hangers: Smaller door knockers can be used as coat hangers by attaching them to a board or directly to the wall.
Drawer pulls: Door knockers with smaller rings can be used as unique drawer pulls on furniture pieces like dressers and cabinets.

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Suggestions for the DIY metal worker

vintage door knocker with a simple floral pattern — **Design** vintage front door knocker design with a simple floral pattern

vintage door knocker with a simple oval design — **Design** vintage front door knocker design with an oval design

vintage door knocker with a diagonal ornate shape — **Design** vintage front door knocker design with a diagonal ornate shape

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When found, make a note of

Messrs. Braby’s (Glasgow) 1901 Illustrated Catalogue deals with iron work of every kind and contains particulars of several specialities of great interest, especially to those who have country houses. The iron fencing, ventilators, wrought iron gates, and palings which are illustrated give a wide choice for those who require such articles, and, of course, with a firm of such repute, the quality cannot be gainsaid. Sanitary dustbins also figure in the book, which, on account ot its numerous interesting features, is well worth writing for.