Glass Door Knobs

Door knobs are a small detail that is often overlooked in a home, but it’s integral to the “feeling” of the property since you literally touch the knobs every time you use the door.

In Colonial America doors were originally opened with thumb latches, and that’s still common in front doors of houses to this day. As technology changed, the door knob became popular because they are easier to use use than thumb latches. By the early 1800’s most interior doors used knobs made of metal. By 1837 the first glass knob was patented, but they were cutting-edge technology and very expensive so only luxury homes had glass knobs.

When World War I caused metal shortages and that’s when glass knobs became the affordable option. The knobs were set in brass hardware for all rooms, except the bathroom where it would be set into chrome hardware.