Antique 1890 Mallory Wheeler Borromean/Trinity Rings Solid Bronze Doorknob Highly sought after symbolic collectors book piece! We are offering this superb example of an original 1890 Mallory Wheeler & Company, Borromean/Trinity rings solid bronze passage doorknob. The artist who designed this pattern seems to have been creatively inspired by religious symbolism. Our first clue comes from the use of a central design of a circle surrounding Borromean rings commonly used as a symbol of the Trinity. The circle , having no beginning or end, symbolizes eternity or God. Three entwined circles represent the Trinity, with its three eternal and unified members. The circle is surrounded on two sides by a checkerboard pattern. Traditionally, checkerboard patterns represent symmetry and the "light of knowledge" and the "dark shadow of ignorance" or the separation of knowledge and ignorance. Above and below the Trinity rings are what appear to be nine triangular sunrays. The sun, in any culture, is one of the highest regarded symbols of humanity. It is life-giving and symbolic of new beginnings. In religion, "the number nine is an amplification of the sacred number three (3 x 3 = 9), the number of completion and eternity. This is the basis for the liturgical form of the Kyrie eleison (meaning "Lord, have mercy"), repeated nine times. Tradition

numbers nine choirs of holy angles and nine cosmic sps. In Scripture, t are nine fruits of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22)," (Symbolism in Religion). The entire central motif is finally encompassed with a snakeskin border. Snakeskin traditionally represents renewal and rebirth primarily because they shed their skin during each cycle in growth. Perhaps the intended message then was one of believing in a higher power, living in the light of knowledge, renewal of spirit, and life in heaven eternally. This intricately designed collectors doorknob measures 2 1/8 inches and can be found on page 70 of Web Wilson's Antique Hardware Price Guide. It is a fantastic piece for the serious collector! This is some of the best hardware ever manufactured. The Mallory Wheeler Company originated in 1834 and was one of the top American hardware manufacturers in the 19 th Century. This passage doorknob is from the estate of a serious collector and is in excellent antique condition with a beautiful bronze patina. Additional pieces of architectural antiques, from the same collection, are listed in our other auctions as well. This is a superb prize for someone who has a passion for that special piece. The winner will be very pleased. Thank you for your interest and good luck! Shipping is $8.95 within the United States. International bidders, please email for the shipping cost. We work hard to describe all items accurately and in great detail. Being that all the items we sell are vintage and antique, t may be signs of wear that come with age; however, we describe those signs within the description and in the pictures. We are not experts and cannot warrant that our attributions are always correct. Dates or age of an item are approximate based on our knowledge and/or research. Please be sure to read the item description fully and check out all of the pictures before bidding - serious bidders only! We aim to please and provide you with a wonderful product that you'll love. Please don't hesitate to ask questions or for additional pictures and check out our store, The Traveler's Trunk Vintage 'n Antiques for more wonderful items every week!