Monday, October 27, 2008

Knock, knock....who's there?


Boot scrapers aren't the only architectural elements to admire
while wandering the streets of Old Town Alexandria.
Door knockers, many aged, greet passersby with unique variety.

A falcon or an eagle, perhaps.

A pouncing lion, I believe


Fox, a reference to the sport of fox hunting here in Virgina.


a Maltese Cross and fish



Victorian-inspired, with elaborate scroll work





Blair House,
replicated from the door of the Blair House,
the guest house across the street from the White House



Horse and bit, an equine influence



Simple and austere


The Eagle has Landed



Claddagh, revealing a Celtic influence




A Lion to Guard Us



This example appears very English to me. Perhaps it is Dionysus, the Greek god of wine.



a foxy fellow




Dogwood, official flower for the Commonwealth of Virginia



In England this is known as the "Doctors" door knocker.





An eagle that has been in this door for some time.




A lady's hand holding a ball

9 comments:

Content in a Cottage said...

Your post KNOCKED me out! Wonderful. My favorite is the next to last one of the eagle that is embedded in the door from years of being polished and painted and rubbed. ♥Rosemary

teaorwine said...

cinac...This posting took some time to complete, but I think it was well worth it!

Kim said...

Gorgeous collection of photos--had to comment even though I'm late to the party.

teaorwine said...

motr... So glad you stopped by! Welcome.

pve design said...

Knock, Knock, it's me, popped over to see all these glorious door knockers! They are quite a collection.
Love the fox and that dog wood blossom is divine!
pve

teaorwine said...

pve...thanks for the visit to the door knocker photo essay!

Tess Kincaid said...

I adore door knockers. I used to have a photo posted on my sidebar of the Manor's door knocker. I might have to dust it off and repost.

Thanks for stopping by my place! :)

teaorwine said...

Welcome, willow!

An Urban Cottage said...

Nice! It's interesting to see how they vary locally. You still have the very American and Enlish ones but mixed up with equine and hunting themes rather than our sea-inspired versions.