Ornate 1897 Cast Bronze Letter Slot with Interior Plate

This stunning mail slot was made by Russell & Erwin and is shown in their 1897 hardware catalog. The artistic detail features tiny little flowers with pinwheel centers for a rich elegant look. Please enlarge the photo so you can see how fine the detail is! Although R & E made other hardware with a matching field design this letter slot will go with almost any style or design by other makers.

The letter slot is made of thick cast bronze in excellent condition. The details are not worn at all and there is only one very tiny nick in the bronze. It has been cleaned (but not polished) and is gaining patina. Polish as much as you like or let it continue darkening. The inside plate is newer (around 1930) and is made of solid brass. It currently has a mottled patina and, as with the letter slot, you can polish as much or as little as you choose. Mounting screws are included but not pictured.

Exterior piece:  2-5/8” x 7-5/8” overall.
Opening is 1-3/16” x 4-13/16” oval (maximum dimensions)
Interior piece: 2” x 7-3/8” overall.
Opening is 1-3/8” x 5-1/4”