Description
This is the quintessential collector’s antique residential entrance doorknob ~ An original hard to find and highly collectible 19th Century Antique Victorian circa 1869 ornamental cast figural bronze dog ‘ doggie door knob ‘ ~ its intricate details unmatched, from the serrated rim with Greek style palmettos and anthemions to the highly stylized dog’s face perfectly framed as if peeking through a window with paws stretched out in front.
Bronze patina with wear consistent with age and beautiful time worn character ~ some verdigris, some dirt in crevices, Sold as it is, used house jewelry, many hands have turned it. Not perfect new; it is old.
Many hardware collectors consider this doorknob to be their most prized acquisition. Produced by Russell & Erwin, (patented on June 7th 1870 by L. Kruezinger design patent #4098)
The item offered here is part of a very large collection owned by my father “Nicola” Stone.
Nick began collecting locks and keys in the early 1920’s. As a child his fascination began with the great Harry Houdini. Nick was born Nicholas Chernick in Russia in 1912 and came to the US in 1923. At the age of 11 he was multi lingual but did not speak any English. He was already preoccupied with Magic, locks and keys and the escape artistry of Houdini. Nick studied not only English but every article on Houdini he could find. By the age of 15 Nick was performing Magic shows in Akron Ohio where his family had settled.
By the age of 17 while Nick was in his senior year of High School he was so heavily booked with shows that the school gave him an ultimatum. Either quite Magic or quite school. Nick’s choice was to continue his Magic career.
In the years that followed Nick educated himself on everything magic and everything Houdini. He studied every article, every news reel and anything else available on the great escape master. Years after Harry’s death in 1926 Nick communicated with Harry’s window Bess. Nick’s collection included letters and a signed photo from Bess.
Nick also was a good friend and frequent contributor to Horace Marshall of Akron Ohio. Marshall was the man of the legendary Marshall Flowers Creations and Magic Creations. Nick and Horace spent hours in Marshall’s work shop into the early hours of the morning. Marie turned in and left the two to design, invent and discuss improvements and changes to illusions. As a small child I saw my first colored television in the Marshall’s home. Jack Parr was on the late night show and I often fell asleep on the floor in front of their TV waiting on my father and Horace to get tired of creating.
Nick’s son, my brother David as a toddler had the privilege (albeit he did not realize it) of getting a “horsey ride”from Harry Blackstone Sr when Harry and Nick were discussing Magic.
Nick continued preforming through out the Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana and Michigan areas while honing his ability to escape the most trying hand cuffs and chains. He preformed Magic shows for every major entity in the Akron area including Goodyear, Goodrich, Firestone and American Hard rubber companies for annual employee’s day and employee Christmas parties . He preformed for every school in Akron and organizations such as AA, Edwin Shaw. The Society of the Blind, The diabetese Association of Akron, Many children’s groups, Alpha Enterprises, Goodwill, many other associations including the department store Polsky’s employee’s party. All with rave reviews and return invitations. He preformed in front of crowds of over 3000 and did large school carnivals as the main act or opening act for well know celebrities.
Nick became a very well known part of Akron Ohio even writing a weekly column for the Akron Beacon Journal for some time. The Beacon Journal was where he met a beautiful young reporter Betty Irwin who became his wife, assistant, promoter and manger.
To be versatile Nick’s act often included fire eating, slight of hand and other unique skills in his shows but his true love was escape work. He preformed at local Amusement lake parks being bound and chained with hundreds of pounds of chains and locks and was dropped in the water from the parks high dive. His water escapes became a very important part of his skill as an escape artist. They were high in demand by the crowds who waited breathlessly until he appeared on the waters surface holding his bindings. At times he would also be locked in a trunk after being tied and chained up. The the trunk was also bound with chains and locks before being tossed in the water.
Nick got out of a straight jacket, beating Houdini’s time while being filmed in front of a live audience. He was tired up, bound, and even bagged by dozens of local law enforcement depts on dozens of occasions with reporters standing by. Photos show and articles tell of him escaping in less than 1 minute to the amazement of all who witnessed his art.
All the while Nick continued collecting locks, keys, handcuffs and even door knobs and other unique related items. His collection became nationally known. He wrote a book on his collection and continued to do escape work and Magic well into his senior years. At the time of his death Nick had accumulated over 4 tons of locks, keys and locking devices, many which are extremely rare. Shown here are photos, news paper articles and even thank you letters from my fathers many shows, performances and his last Magic column for the Beacon Journal; The memorabilia, photos, letters, other amazing items including his collections are now owned by our family.
His shows and accomplishments in the Field Of Magic and escapology as well as the book he wrote on vintage locks and keys were enjoyed by thousands and many remember him still today. His wife Betty was his life long partner and my brother and I remember them both with many fond memories.
The item listed is just one of his life’s collected treasures.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.