What
Is It?
July
Do you know what the objects are pictured above? Mary Wind of Golden,
Colorado needs help identifying them. Let’s see if we can
help her. Send your answers to the What Is It contest, postmarked
by July 20, to Mountain States Collector, P.O. Box 1003, Bailey,
CO 80421. Three winners will be drawn. Winners receive a year’s
subscription to the Mountain States Collector.
 Answer
to What Is It?
June
We had several correct answers for the June What Is It. Mr. &
Mrs. Jona-than Bond of Frankton, Irene Downey of Littleton, Jacque
Rutledge of Northglenn, Charles Pheasant of Centennial and Sharon
Howard of Fort Collins all identified the object as a door knocker.
Yes, they are right. This particular door knocker is known as an
S-shaped knocker because of its curved rapper, this simple style
began to grace American doors during the early part of the 18th
Century. Along with locks and keys, other old door hardware is widely
collected. The brass knockers, handmade in American and England,
are especially popular. Collectors have learned to be skeptical
in search of knockers because reproductions are made in quantity.
In examining a knocker, look first for markings. Old knockers never
bear the maker’s complete name, while many modern ones do.
A serial number is a clear signal that the piece is recent.
©
2010 Mountain States Collector |
