engraved door knocker message

What do I put on my engraved door knocker?
The decisions involved concerning the preparation of your engraved door knocker can be perplexing. I have personally been in many conversations on this subject. It seems there are a lot of rules people place on the English language. Problem is, most of them do not apply to door knockers. During my years as a professional engraver, I have placed many messages on door knockers. In the eyes of the owner they were all correct. I believe that is the primary rule that applies. It really does not matter that a noun does not follow the possesive considering that we are engraving a door knocker and implying that this house belongs to the family with this name.

RULE #1 If you like it and it is going on your door or as a gift (and it is civil) it is correct.

Here is a list of possible one line door knocker message ideas. It just depends on how you want to present your message.

Snyder (last name only)

The Snyders (last name plural)

Snyders (last name plural)

The Snyder's (last name possessive)

Snyder's (last name possessive)

Welcome (general message)

Est. 2005 (established message)

195 Forbes Ave (address)

Obviously no one is going to limit you to this list. Your imagination is your best resource for your engraved door knocker message.

Many engraved door knockers have a second engraving area on the clapper. Usually oval or diamond shaped this smaller area can contain a street address number or other 4 or 5 character engraving.

Door knockers that will allow multiple lines such as those that have a large oval area may include the word Welcome, a street address, or the popular Est. (year).

The
Snyder
Family

Welcome
The Snyder
Family

The
Snyders
Est. 2005

The message you place on your engraved door knocker is up to your imagination. The font you choose may weigh heavily in your decision. You should draw a rectangle or oval similar to the shape you are engraving in and then print in the engraving duplicating as closely as you can the letters you would like. This will give you an idea of the outcome of the process. For the most part, engravers cannot easily erase what they do so you need to be right the first time.

Also see Engraved Door Knocker and Engraved Door Knocker Font.