Brass Door knocker from Havana Cuba

I purchased this door knocker in my travels in Cuba it may be brass or iron. It appears very old and is quite heavy. It has makers marks on the bottom one that appears to be an 11 with a small c or crescent moon and the other than is an anchor with a C on the left and and F on the right. Any ideas on age or maker? I am assuming it’s of Spanish origin and the ring on the finger seems to indicate homage to the king.
Thanks for any help!

 

@TheShekles - A magnet will leave no doubt.
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Nice find, TheShekles, and welcome.

Hand shaped door knockers are mostly seen in southern Europe, where the hand is thought to protect the house (like hand charms, worn to protect the wearer).
The ring indicates it is a lady's hand. Hands with rings are also found in non-Spanish countries, so no link with the king of Spain.
It could have been Cuban made, since the Spanish brought their customs with them.

 

In Spain, those are called "la mano de Fátima" or "Fátima's hand" door knockers. Typically Spanish. Depends on whether Cuba had a foundry but I'd suspect Spanish in origin. They're common, even old ones, and reproductions available. Should be brass.

Debora

 

I have seen them in Portugal, southern France, Italy and Malta as well. Maybe you can find them in other southern European countries as well, but I just didn't look at door knockers when I was there.

 

Think this may be too small for a door knocker. Maybe just a cabinet pull.

 

They come in a range of sizes. This one just a bit larger than key hole escutcheon.

Debora

 

Thank you all for the feedback and knowledge sharing. Very interesting about the ladies hand and the Spanish name.

It’s magnetic so likely iron rather than brass and certainly a door knocker not a drawer pull.

 

If anyone knows anyone who might be able to identify these hallmarks please let me know

 

You're not going to believe this but... I found that foundry mark on another item. For sale on the Spanish on-line sale site, Mil Anuncios. It's an iron that the seller dates to 1910-1920. You'll note the mark is an anchor with a C and F but it's not the same design as the mark on your aldaba which I would assume is older.

https://www.milanuncios.com/otros-coleccionables/planchas-de-hierro-antiguas-268558556.htm

Debora

 

Amazing, Debora.
I would also think Shekles' is older. Maybe someone can find more info on the history of the foundry, and maybe the marks.

 

By George, I think I've got it! The French foundry Camion Frères. (Who? Obsessive? Me?) Founded 1820. Here's another example of their door knockers.

Debora



https://www.proantic.com/display.php?mode=obj&id=224920

 

Increíble!! Debora that’s amazing

 

Good find!