Salvaged from historic Charleston, South Carolina… I purchased this ornate, early 1900’s black cast iron door knocker in 2006.

It was sold to me (at the time) under the pretense of it having been a covert indication of a 1930’s speakeasy, which may well be true? Or in the least, a very small part of its history.

In reality though, this door knocker in the shape of a hand (a lady’s left hand, given the ring) is more accurately known as “the hand of Fatima.”

In the Jewish and Islamic world, these hands are significant. In Judaism, the five fingers refer to the five books of the Torah. In Islam, to the five pillars of Islam.

But the use of the hand as a symbol is probably much older than the modern religions. Even now and in our western world, the hand is seen as a symbol of protection, blessing and turning away from evil.

Regardless, this piece is so interesting!

It measures 5” length, 2-1/2” width and 2” depth.

Includes original hardware.

It also has two unidentifiable markings on bottom. I suspect one to read “IIIII” and the other is too faint to distinguish.