Quick Overview
The Brushed Nickel Silver and Polished Chrome Dragonfly Doorbell Ringer was designed by Michael Healy, an accomplished Rhode Island artisan. He enjoyed studying the acrobatic flight of dragonflies while fly fishing in the pond near his cottage. On one August morning, Michael found a large dragonfly perched by the front door. The dragonfly eventually flew away but left behind a wonderful idea for one of Michael Healy's doorbell ringer designs.The Dragonfly is cast in solid nickel silver. It was hand-crafted in Rhode Island using the age old art of foundry casting. During the foundry casting process molten nickel silver is heated to over 2000ºF then carefully poured into a hand made sand mold. This mold is used only once, giving the Doorbell Ringer its individual character. The Dragonfly Doorbell Ringer is given a brushed nickel finish and then polished to a chrome shine. Afterwards, it is coated with a clear lacquer to protect its original finish.
All Michael Healy Door Knockers and Doorbell Ringers are cast in Solid Brass, Bronze, or Nickel Silver. Occasionally, a combination of these metals is used to add highlights and depth to a particular design.
Michael's original Door Knockers were cast in solid brass and bronze. In response to the expansion of both antique and contemporary finishes used in door hardware, the line was recently expanded to include Oiled Bronze and Nickel Silver designs.
Each Door 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 of the alloys used by Michael Healy are ideal for outdoor use, allowing you to base your selection on personal preference alone.
