historically important original early 20th century d.h. burnham & company-designed mailslot and chute from continental and commercial bank building

original c. 1912 neoclassical style ornamental cast iron office door hardware salvaged from the extant continental & commercial national bank building designed by d.h. burnham and company.  the original bower & barff "rustproof" black enameled finish remains largely intact. the mailslot and chute was manufactured by the russell & erwin mfg. co., new britain, ct. the continental & commercial national bank building was built in 1914 by the chicago architect, daniel burnham. the massive block-long office building was built to house one of chicago's leading banks and exemplifies the large commercial buildings that define the distinctive lasalle street "canyon." architect daniel burnham personally supervised its design just before his death in 1912, and the building was completed by his successor firm. designed in burnham's preferred classical revival style, the building is detailed with giant columns, pilasters, lion's heads, rosettes, and other classical ornament. the hardware's design pattern appears to have been specific to this building, which echoes the overall neoclassical design scheme found in both the interior and exterior of the bank.