Candleholder (2) - cast iron

1. Cast-iron Bat Door Knocker & Mail Slot. Neo-Gothic style (Gothic Revival style) - ca. 1875/1995. Made in the late 19th century and produced by the famous English foundry Archibald Kenrick & Sons under model number 422. It is adorned with a very detailed, expressive image of a bat. The bat on top functions as the hinged door knocker. In the center is the vertically opening draft flap bearing the text 'LETTERS'. The weight is 1 kg.
The backside: at the back are the hinge points of the vertical mail flap. Also here are the original screw-thread hubs or holes by which the heavy cast-iron ornament was bolted to the wooden front door.
Symbolism of the Bat. In the Victorian era and Gothic Revival the bat was a beloved motif. Although we nowadays often have a “creepy” association with it, bats at that time in heraldry and decorative arts stood for Vigilance, Good Luck and Protection of the household against unwanted outside influences.

2. Hand-forged wrought-iron wall candle holder (wall sconce) equipped with a central candle pin (pricket spike) on a catch tray and decorative mounting plate with rivets. Very atmospheric and expertly crafted castle model. It is Gothic Revival and rustic curiosa. Length 60 cm and 1.8 kg heavy. The plate has decorative harpoon-shaped ends with mounting holes.

Both objects are in a beautiful authentic antique condition with a wonderfully lived-in patina and light surface rust that contribute to the historic character. See the photos for an accurate impression.