Antique Cast Iron Doorknockers Wilton- Moving Eyes-Amish Man and Woman set- 1940

Cast Iron doorknockers in the shape of an Amish couple, a man with a hat and beard and a woman with a bonnet. These unusual door knockers display closed eyes when not in use, and when the beard or bonnet ties are lifted, the pairs' blue eyes open up in a startling and creepy surprise. A truly unusual set. Door knockers have been used to symbolize everything from hospitality to good luck to warding off bad spirits. No screws included. The Wilton family founded Susquehanna Castings in Wrightsville, Pa., in 1893. The family has been involved in the metal casting industry since 1892 when Ralph P. Wilton, Sr. began working for his uncle at the Susquehanna Casting Company. At that time, the foundry produced industrial iron castings for other manufacturers. Half a century later, Ralph P. Wilton, Jr. expanded the family business through other ventures, such as Wilton Products (1940) which made cast iron gifts and the Wilton Brass Company (1955) which initially produced industrial brass, aluminum, and iron castings. The company's greatest success occurred in 1963 when Wilton, Jr. developed the formula for a unique aluminum-based alloy called Armetale, which led to a new line of Wilton products. In 1969, the Wilton Brass Company relocated to Mount Joy, Pennsylvania and changed its name to reflect its new direction. Today, Wilton Armetale combines innovative design with old-world craftsmanship to produce a successful line of table ware, gift ware, and decorative accessories.