Michael Healy Artistic Decorative Dog Knockers
Purchases help fund Cancer Treatment Grants for working dogs

 


imageA classic tribute to man’s best friend, Michael Healy DogKnockers say a lot about the person (and dog) living there.

These sculptural bronze pieces offer a high level of detail and beauty capturing the individual characteristics of each breed.
 
   DogKnocker Features
  • Handcrafted
  • Mounting hardware included
  • Surface mount
  • Realistically sculpted design captures the essence of your favorite breed
  • Made in the USA


   Doorbell Ringer Features

  • Compatible with all wired doorbells
  • Mounting hardware included
  • Illuminated doorbell button that backlights your doorbell ringer
  • Surface mount installation
  • Made in the USA


 

Beagle
4.25"H x 5.25"W x 3.75"D
Click on image to enlarge

Boxer
5.75"H x 3.75"W x 4"D
Click on image to enlarge

Bulldog
Click on image to enlarge

Chihuahua
4.75"H x 4.75"W x 4"D
Click on image to enlarge

Dachshund
4"H x 5.25"W x 4.25"D
Click on image to enlarge


German Shepherd

5.5"H x 4"W x 4"D

 
Click on image to enlarge

Golden Retriever
4.5"H x 5.25"W x 3.75"D
Click on image to enlarge

Labrador Retriever
4.75"H x 5.5"W x 3.5"D
Click on image to enlarge


Maltese
5"H x 3.75"W x 2.75"D
Click on image to enlarge

Pomeranian
5.5"H x 4.5"W x 3.5"D
Click on image to enlarge


Poodle
5.5"H x 4"W x 3.5D
 Click on image to enlarge

Pug
4"H x 5.25"W x 3.75"D
Click on image to enlarge

Schnauzer
6"H x 2.75"W x 4"D
Click on image to enlarge


Shih Tzu
5.5"H x 4"W x 2.75"D
 
Click on image to enlarge

West Highland White
4.5"H x 4"W x 4"D
 Click on image to enlarge


Yorkshire Terrier
5.5"H x 3.75"W x 2.75"D
Click on image to enlarge

Cat
6"H x 4"W x 3.5"D
Click on image to enlarge

Paw Door Ringer
2.25"H x 2.5"W x 1"D
Click on image to enlarge

 


The DogKnocker, CatKnocker, and Paw Doorbell Ringer are cast in solid bronze, as this finish most often matches door hardware.

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 knocker 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.

All 16 breed pieces and coordinating paw doorbell ringer 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 knockers and ringer are treated with a dark patina, then hand polished and coated with a clear lacquer to protect its original finish.

In order to confirm authenticity and quality craftsmanship, each knocker is signed by artist Michael Healy.

Brass and bronze are copper-based alloys. The yellow brass alloy used in many of Michael's designs contains 70% copper and produces a warm, traditional brass look. Red bronze contains almost 85% copper.

This additional copper content gives the bronze alloy its rich, reddish undertone. The mirrored finish of polished brass and polished bronze is achieved through varying degrees of sanding and buffing.

Michael uses these techniques to highlight or accent the raised areas on a piece.


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 knockers have 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.
 

 
Michael Healy Designs only uses metal constituted primarily of scrap that is recycled into virgin ingot.

The natural clays and sands used to make molds are reused over and over and are completely non-toxic and environmentally friendly.

They handle and dispose of wastes through safe, environmentally responsible methods, and use environmentally friendly alloys which are always recycled.

These bronze door knockers are priced at $110, and the doorbell ringer is $55. These items ship separately, directly from the manufacturer. Please allow for a 2 week delivery time.
 

DOG & CAT DOOR KNOCKERS
 


PAW DOOR RINGER


 



Attaching your Door Knocker
(click here for short installation video)

  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.)


 
imageAbout 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 artistic decorative 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.


image