Art Deco Brass Door Knocker With Mail Flap

British Design, Circa 1925
Original Art Deco Brass Door Knocker and Mail Slot Cover, RD No. 800493

Antique Architectural Hardware

Highlights

• Original British Art Deco door knocker with integrated mail slot cover.

• Circa 1925.

• Registered Design Number RD No. 800493 stamped to the reverse.

• Solid brass construction.

• Original gold-painted finish with attractive age-related wear and patina.

• Strong stepped geometric Art Deco design.

• Functional knocker and opening mail flap.

• Includes fixing bolts and additional replacement bolts.

• Sourced from a private seller in the South of England.

• Ideal for period restoration, architectural collections or sympathetic contemporary interiors.

• Curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®.

Introduction

An original British Art Deco architectural fitting dating from circa 1925, comprising a substantial brass front door knocker with integrated mail slot cover.

The design is characterised by bold stepped geometry and strong symmetry, reflecting the visual language of the Art Deco movement and its fascination with modernity, precision and architectural ornament.

The piece retains its original gold-painted surface, now naturally aged to reveal areas of underlying brass together with weathering, surface staining and patination.

The presence of Registered Design Number RD No. 800493 stamped to the reverse provides an important period design reference and supports the attribution of the fitting to the historic British manufacturing tradition.

Catalogue Details

Type: Art Deco Door Knocker and Mail Slot Cover

Date: Circa 1925

Country: Britain

Medium: Brass

Finish: Gold paint, aged

Design Reference: RD No. 800493

Width: 20.2 cm

Height: 9 cm

Depth: 4.5 cm to end of fixing bolt

Function: Working door knocker and mail flap

Catalogue Note

The design centres upon a strong stepped motif, with angular geometry and symmetrical proportions characteristic of British Art Deco architectural hardware of the 1920s.

The substantial brass construction reflects the durability expected of exterior architectural fittings, while the original gold-painted finish would have provided a luxurious decorative effect against a period entrance door.

Age-related wear has softened the original finish and produced an attractive variation between remaining gold paint, exposed brass and naturally darkened areas.

The reverse retains the stamped Registered Design Number RD No. 800493, an important feature for collectors interested in original period hardware.

The knocker operates smoothly and the mail flap opens and closes correctly.

Art Deco Design

Art Deco emerged internationally during the early 20th century and became particularly influential during the 1920s and 1930s.

Its design vocabulary favoured geometric forms, stepped profiles, symmetry, stylised ornament and a sense of modern luxury.

Architectural hardware was an important part of this movement, allowing even functional elements such as door furniture, letter plates and handles to incorporate the period's distinctive visual language.

This door knocker and mail slot cover is an excellent example of that approach, combining practical function with a highly considered decorative form.

Provenance

Sourced from a private seller in the South of England.

Registered Design Number RD No. 800493 stamped to the reverse.

Subsequently curated and presented by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®.

Dimensions

Width: 20.2 cm

Height: 9 cm

Depth: 4.5 cm to end of fixing bolt

Condition Report

Good antique condition consistent with age and previous exterior use.

The brass retains an attractive natural patina.

The original gold paint displays areas of flaking, surface staining and weathering consistent with age.

Two fixing bolts are later replacements, with two additional modern replacement bolts also included.

The knocker functions correctly and the mail flap opens and closes as intended.

Please examine the photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.

Shipping

Worldwide shipping is available.

The fitting will be professionally packaged and fully insured for secure delivery.

Certificate of Sale & Dealer Attribution

The artwork will be supplied with a Certificate of Sale & Dealer Attribution issued by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®, recording the artwork’s catalogue details, attribution, provenance as stated, and details of the sale. This document accompanies the work as part of its ongoing ownership and provenance record.

Attribution and Research

The historical observations, provenance research, attribution analysis and contextual commentary presented within this catalogue entry represent the professional opinion of Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®. They are offered in good faith as informed scholarly assessments based upon the available evidence, comparative research, published reference material and our experience within the international fine art market.

These observations should be understood as professional opinions rather than definitive statements of fact or guarantees of authorship, attribution, date, origin, provenance or historical interpretation. As with all historic works of art, future documentary discoveries, technical examination, conservation analysis or advances in academic research may refine, expand or revise current interpretations.

Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®

Specialising in carefully curated British and European fine art, antiques and historic works of art.

Every artwork is professionally researched and catalogued using comparative scholarship, published reference material and more than two decades of experience within the international fine art market. We are committed to offering collectors works of artistic and historical merit accompanied by transparent provenance research, detailed catalogue descriptions and professional, client-focused service.

Additional photographs and further information are available upon request.