Victorian Hand Holding Bar Door Knocker Doctors Near Highgrove

Rare Mid-Victorian Brass Doctor’s Door Knocker, c.1860
Hand Holding Bar with Scallop Shell Backplate — Original Bolts — Sourced Near Highgrove, Gloucestershire
Description
A fine and highly collectible Mid-Victorian solid brass Doctor’s door knocker, dating to circa 1860. Beautifully cast as a finely modelled lady’s hand clasping a horizontal bar, it strikes against its original scallop shell backplate.
This substantial piece (approx. 0.8 kg) exemplifies authentic 19th-century craftsmanship, with elegant sculptural details including defined knuckles, a finger ring, a decorative cuff, and a Rococo-inspired shell striker plate. The hinge remains smooth and fully functional, delivering a strong, resonant knock. Crucially, it retains its original threaded through-door fixing bolts and is ready for installation.
Key Features
Mid-Victorian period, circa 1860
Classic “Doctor’s knocker” design – hand grasping a horizontal bar
Original scallop shell striker plate with radiating detail
Solid cast brass construction – approx. 0.8 kg (1.8 lbs)
Includes original Victorian fixing bolts
Smooth hinge action with a loud, clear strike
Reputedly sourced from a doctor’s residence near Highgrove, Gloucestershire
Dimensions
Measurement Size
Height 17.3 cm (6.8″)
Width 8.5 cm (3.3″)
Depth/Projection 11.5 cm (4.5″)

Historical Significance – The “Doctor’s Door Knocker”
In Victorian Britain, physicians frequently used distinctive knockers so their residences could be easily identified in emergencies. The horizontal bar design became known as the Doctor’s knocker due to its clear, authoritative sound.
The use of a female hand reflects Victorian romantic and European iconography, symbolising grace, hospitality, and guidance. The scallop shell—associated with protection, pilgrimage, and welcome—adds further classical resonance.

Provenance
By repute salvaged from a Victorian doctor’s residence near Highgrove House, Gloucestershire, and acquired through a respected southern shires antiques dealer known for supplying fittings to prominent country estates.
Collector Appeal
Genuine Mid-Victorian piece – not a reproduction
Rare example complete with original shell striker and bolts
Exceptional casting with refined sculptural detail
Decorative, functional, and historically evocative
Ideal for architectural restoration or curated display
Ideal For
Heritage home restoration
Architectural salvage and period design projects
Collectors of antique brass hardware
High-end interior styling
Feature display in refined environments

Condition
Authentic antique condition with a naturally aged patina
No cracks, breaks, or repairs
Polished highlights with expected signs of age and use
Smooth hinge operation and solid, resonant strike
Original shell striker plate and fixing bolts present and intact
Fully functional and ready for immediate fitting to a period or contemporary door

Shipping
Worldwide shipping available. Professionally packaged and fully insured to ensure safe international delivery.
Available exclusively through Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD — enquiries welcomed.