History Of Door Knobs

In colonial times the first door hardware was made out of wood and simply included latches and strings. Round knobs were first used around the time of independence. Decorative hardware including knobs, emerged after the Centennial Exposition of 1876. Before this time, most door hardware was imported. In 1938 about 95% was imported. Glass knobs were rarely used unless a faster and cheaper manufacturing method was developed based on pressing. Pressed glass knobs were popular between 1826-1850.



Wooden knobs were introduced in the late 1800s and were faded after 1910. China or ceramic knobs were mainly imported from France and England until the mid-1800s.