Update Spet. 2016: I saw another one of these on ebay — and it’s Howard Pierce. The ebay listing also had a doorbell cover!
Vintage front door escutcheon designs are pretty rare to begin with — but have you ever seen one like this before? Pam spotted this lovely woddity: a midcentury door plate escutcheon with an Evelyn Ackerman-esque (?) bird design on ebay. We have never seen this design before. It may be a rare bird indeed — not just because of its unusual and attractive design, but also because of its massive size — a full 16 inches tall!
The door plate features two lovely abstracted birds sitting on an angular tree. Just look at the fabulous detail on this piece, it’s a true work of art for your front door.
From the eBay listing description:
Mid century door escutcheon plate in the manner of Evelyn Ackerman. Not sure of maker/manufacturer though. Very cool and unique item.
It looks like there is a maker mark carved into the back side of the escutcheon, what do you think it says? Pierce? Piere? Pierre? I can’t quite make it out. Does anyone recognize it?
Update Sept. 2014 — Howard Pierce!
Personally, I’d love to have this piece, for my front door or to use as a piece of wall decor inside. It is fabulous!
Mega thanks to eBay seller levialaska for allowing us to feature her photos of this unique piece.
And…. want more info on where to buy these new? See our story, 3 places to buy midcentury modern style door plates – including a DIY idea
Scott says
Love this. The mid-century home just can’t have enough birds. Brass, glass, ceramic, wood, bring it! 🙂
The width of this would work on a narrower offsets you seem to have to accept on even the most authentically retro-styled new doors too.
Rebecca prichard says
It looks Celtic to me.
Karen says
It immediately reminded me of the Franciscan pattern Bird ‘n Hand from the late 60s. Those are the dishes I grew up with. What a lovely find.
Holland VanDieren says
I think it was cast by Pier Foundry in Minnesota. Howard Pierce was a ceramics manufacturer.
Dave says
It’s definitely Howard Pierce, as he displays it in the “metal work” section on his own website.
http://howardpierceceramics.com/Howard_Pierce_Ceramics/pictures-plus/metal-work.html