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Since 1997 Michael Healy
Door Knockers have been knocking on doors across the
nation. This line
is available in the contiguous U.S. Please
contact
us for all other areas.
Many of the knockers we carry have companion or
matching illuminated doorbell ringers. Our
selection pieces are cast in solid brass and bronze, as
this finish most often matches door hardware. They
are handcrafted using the age-old art of foundry
casting. During this process, molten bronze is
heated to over 2200ºF and then carefully poured into a
handmade sand mold. This mold can only be used
only once, giving your piece its individual character.
The mirrored finish is achieved through varying degrees
of sanding and buffing. This finish is often used
to highlight or accent the points or raised areas on a
piece. Each piece also receives a baked polyurethane
coating or a statuary lacquer before leaving production.
Similar to the protective finish used on cars, these
coatings provide a shield against the elements. Finally,
in order to confirm authenticity & quality
craftsmanship, each knocker and ringer is signed by
artist, Michael Healy.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This item ships directly from Michael
Healy and arrives separately from
other ordered items at the Land of PureGold. It is recommended that if other
types of items are desired that the orders be placed separately. The line is only available for shipment in the United States.
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Michael Healy Tree Frog Door Knocker, Polished Brass & Blue Green
Patina Finish
Michael has many childhood memories of summer afternoons spent trying to
catch frogs in his backyard. How happy he would have been to have
caught a frog as large as your Frog Door Knocker. This playful Frog
Door Knocker is a reminder of the innocence of youth and will surely
bring smiles to your guests’ faces.
What a fantastic
gift for someone you love or just to treat yourself!
Dimensions: 6" H x 5.5" W x 2" D
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Michael Healy Sitting Frog Doorbell Ringer, Polished Bronze Finish
Dimensions: 2.75" H x 2" W x 1" D
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Tender Loving Care
Your Door Knocker can be maintained for years of use and
enjoyment provided that some basic care and attention is
given to its preservation. Be sure to minimize or
eliminate conditions that can cause damage. The Knocker
has been coated with a baked catalyzed polyurethane,
similar to the clear top coat on an automobile.
Occasionally wash it using a sponge with water and a
mild soap to help maintain the vibrant shine. Coating it
with a paste wax will also greatly extend the life of
the finish. Do not use a brass cleaner or an abrasive
pad; this will damage the clear coating and the original
polished finish.
Attaching your Door
Knocker
1. Hold Knocker in desired position on your door and mark hole
locations with pencil.
2. Drill guide holes using a 1/8 inch drill bit.
Screws accept Phillip’s head screwdriver. You don't need to drill
through entire door to install. Each knocker comes with 2 machine screws
designed for surface mounting on both metal and wood doors.
3. Some designs require body of Knocker be removed before mounting bracket
can be attached.
4. Screw mounting bracket into desired position. If required, re-attach body
of Knocker to mounting bracket. (Each Knocker has mounting bracket and striker plate
that attach to door. The face of knocker lifts and hits against the
plate.)
About
the Artist
Michael
Healy was born and raised on the Cape Cod seashore. Though New
England has always been his home base, by the age of ten his
father's Air Force career had carried Michael halfway around the
globe, exposing him to a variety of cultures which fueled a desire
to express himself artistically. At the university of Notre Dame
Michael studied metal sculpture. Here, he learned century old bronze
casting techniques, and developed a passion for design.
After a tour of duty in the Air Force, his marriage and the birth of
his four children, Michael chose to use his knowledge and interest
in metal work to open his own foundry on the banks of the Blackstone
River in Rhode Island.
Michael’s
artistic style is very identifiable. He is known for his ability to
skillfully combine quality materials into sculptural yet functional
forms. He is particularly noted for his talent for turning an
everyday object into a unique sculpture.
Michael worked casting architectural bronze and restoring historic
statues throughout New England before shifting his focus to his own
original artwork. Combining his knowledge of the foundry sand
casting process and his own desire to create highly functional forms
of art, Michael was inspired to develop his famous line of unique
door knockers. Thus started his venture making hardware for your home.
To ensure consistently high quality at all stages of the metal
casting process, Michael Healy works from his own foundry in Rhode
Island. A dedicated and passionate artist, he continues to design
daily. Michael is assisted by a select group of talented artisans
who handcraft each Door Knocker or Doorbell Ringer. This personal
attention to detail guarantees that every door sculpture is truly
special. Michael Healy signs each of his Door Knockers confirming
its authenticity and quality craftsmanship.
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