original finely executed 19th century ornamental cast bronze "kelp" pattern antique american salvaged chicago exterior residential push button electric doorbell escutcheon or backplate with uniform patina

original and nicely aged 19th century antique american ornamental cast bronze "kelp" pattern exterior doorbell backplate or escutcheon designed and fabricated by the yale & towne mfg. co., stamford, ct. interestingly, this exact pattern was chosen and/or used to outfit the doors in the residence louis h. sullivan (originally designed for his mother) in chicago. the house has since been demolished, but the limestone facade was salvaged in its entirety and is awaiting funding to be reassembled. the black and white image, taken by richard nickel, shows a "kelp" pattern push plate used on a swinging door within sullivan's residence. sullivan had a close working relationship with yale & towne, who executed the hardware designed by sullivan for specific buildings (e.g., chicago stock exchange, guaranty building, etc.). a few of his designs used in hardware for commissions in st. louis went on to become "stock" hardware that was available to the public through their hardware catalogs. the intricately designed doorbell backplate is richly detailed with interwoven and/or perforated floral motifs. the raised, centrally located opening would have contained a push button (long since removed). excellent overall condition.