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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.
Dog Knockers are Michael Healy's newest creation—all
16 breed pieces and coordinating Paw Door Ringer cast in solid
bronze and 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 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 &
quality craftsmanship, each piece 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 Bronze Labrador Retriever Dog Knocker
Michael has always enjoyed the company of dogs, especially Labrador
Retrievers. Over the years, he has been the owner of several Black
Labs. Pete, his first Lab, loved to long-distance swim with Michael
along the Cape Cod shoreline. Pete was also an expert at fetching
the newspaper, bringing it into the house each morning. Mandy was a
trained hunting dog and accompanied Michael on many adventures.
Alex, who currently lives with Michael, loves children and eating
sticks. In honor of these great animals, Michael chose to make the
Labrador Retriever his first Dog Knocker.
What a fantastic
gift for someone you love or just to treat yourself!
Dimensions: 4.75"H x 5.5"W x 3.5"D
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Michael Healy Bronze Dog Paw Doorbell Ringer
Dimensions (Height x Width): 2.25" x 2.50"
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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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