There are a number of wonderful door knockers available at any given time. The classic designs are always available, on the resale market if not new. The same theme of door knocker can be modeled in a number of ways. You only have to start looking to find one, or more, that you like. And if your door bell does not work, as mine does not, a door knocker may be the best way to let someone outside let you know that they are there.

First among door knockers, at least here in the US, is the eagle. My door knocker is an eagle, made of brass and allowed to tarnish to a nice dark brown/gray. You can get shine brass eagle door knockers, as well as some in cast iron and painted black, and other materials. You can also get door knockers shaped like anchors, or a sailing ship, for the nautically inclined. Some door knockers are formed as a hand holding a metal ball or two arms and hands holding a ball or heart which strikes the strike plate. There are door knockers formed as simple rings or that resemble the door handle itself. Some are shaped like shields or other non-representational geometric shapes. Lion heads with ring strikers have been popular for centuries. There are nature-inspired door knockers in the form of leaves, birds on twigs, or, most appropriately, a wood pecker.

Door knockers are almost always made of metal, for longevity and to produce noise. There is usually a hinged knocker that hits a strike plate on the door (to reduce damage to the door itself). These are usually found mounted in one piece, so you do not have to judge the placement of the strike plate or make three holes in the door. The knocker usually required two holes to hold it firmly and to keep it from getting sideways or inverted.

So, how do you choose, when you only have a couple of places where you can put a door knocker you intend to use? Well, sometimes you choice is made for you, and you get a family heirloom or a gift door knocker. Or you can hold out for your perfect door knocker. But perhaps a small collection of door knocker is called for. Starting with the ones available today, then working on salvage and recycled door knockers. Auction mat bring a few different ones to you, and flea markets usually have old hardware dealers where you can look.

Regular door knockers too large or easy to collect? Try miniature door knockers. Miniature house makers have the same reasons for having door knockers, except no one is going to answer the door when it is used. See how many door knockers you can find or make in the miniature scale. This collection should keep you busy for a long time. And it will take no space to store at all. A small gift box may hold a life-times accumulation.

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