Doorknobs: A Brief History - Colonial America to Modern Day

6/28/25 Nathan Gaulin

Many described the house as simply “a machine for living,” a space designed to provide shelter, security, and emotional well-being. However, for some it is much more than this. Truly a reflection of culture, heritage, and craftsmanship embedded within its structure. Builders hardware, such as hinges, latches, locks, and doorknobs, are all integral parts. These details were vital for ensuring the proper function, additionally serving as ornaments, before the advent of cheaply made mass produced home goods like the ones at Marshalls. 

The artifact pictured, “Ornate Brass Knob, H-10500 Mallory Wheeler 1880”, remains a stunning example of the late 19th century American craftsmanship that's quickly being forgotten.

However, few and far between one may still find a homeowner who values the craftsman. Ones who recognize that antique hardware should be cherished as an essential part of a house’s heritage. Much like stained glass or decorative woodwork, doorknobs are also pieces of “house jewelry,” an embodiment of both utility and beauty. When your entry set has lustering sacred geometry it does leave a regal impression.

To explore the evolution of door handles and locks, from the early colonial America to the modern world, you will have something most never shall; the basis for a deep appreciation of the objects we overlook everyday. Withholding the Antique Doorknob Collectors of America, founded in the 1970s, few possess such knowledge.

In the beginning the colonies had to import their hardware from the British Empire due to several royal decrees. Common hardware from this early period included hand forged: hinges, thumb latches, “rim” locks, and these big heavy clunky spring latches that were the predecessor to the adams rite mechanism. Most of the knobs from this period were made of wood, iron, or if one had money to spare, lathe-turned hand-finished brass.

Greek revival was popular during this time period. Fancy hardware was often stylized and made of higher quality metal such as; iron butt hinges or Carpenter/Young rim/box locks with ornate patterns on the face plates and rosettes. Colony blacksmiths were focused on repairs because they weren’t allowed to bring their goods to market, thanks Britain.

Eventually this reliance on European imports came to an end with the war of 1812, where the patriots gained true independence from restrictive trade policies; subsequently constructing forges & tapering off imports by imposing tariffs until 1828. The southern states disputed the over-reaching tariffs that bundled hardware and agriculture in the same bill in what became known as the “Nullification Crisis”. Finally domestic production was meeting demand so there was no longer a need to subsidize, this allowed the northern and southern states to compromise.

The new economic legislation was efficient leading to cooperation which depend domestic business relations, kindling the American Industrial Revolution. With a rapidly growing population, production would have to meet these new hardware demands. During this time the manufacturing process went from “made in the home” to mass production in factories.

The basic principle of this shift could be defined as “Asking the question: How can energy be transferred to reduce human burden” A saw mill taking the energy of the river and creating rotational energy to cut a board would be a basic example.

The economic system was flourishing because it had meaningful scientific innovation and a rapidly expanding workforce. Systems including; canals, steamboats, and railroads tremendously improved delivery times. Immigrants were arriving in droves and native-born women and children were being put to work. Followed by a housing boom, accelerating the demand for architectural hardware.

Between 1830-1873 100+ U.S. patents had been granted. Some of the notable patents include; double pin tumbler, kickstands, and the semi-auto glass press in 1826 being among the most significant. 

This machine allowed for mass production of inexpensive glass knobs which remained popular throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Nasua Lock, M&W, Corbin, Baldwin, Eastlake, Lockwood, Yale & Towne, & ILCO are some of the prominent names from this period.

Knobs went from individually handmade marks of quality, much like the aforementioned piece, to mass produced utilitarian objects. The ornate designs were slowly phased out with this change in priority. Yet still some companies continued to create art well into the late 19th and early 20th; yet almost all of that was over with the advent of the porcelain and brown clay fixtures. After those two innovations in material science there was stagnation until the 60’s when mercury coated glass knobs became all the rage.

Some of the larger manufacturing hubs were located in New York, Philly, Boston, New Britain, and New Haven. These handful of cities supplied most of the country's hardware during this population boom and continue to be hubs of industry to this day. Mallory, Wheeler & Co, the manufacturer of the artifact, was based out of New Haven from 1834 to 1913 when they went bankrupt.

Notably glass and porcelain were very popular during the Depression as they were of cheaper material, and in WWII as well when metal was being conserved. The rest is history, cheaply made pressed brass or satin nickel are the two most popular options. Lever handles, push bars and automatic door closers are also notable modern innovations in door technology; where again, utility remains the primary focus. 

Some would have you believe that the quantity of electricity produced is the metric which should be used to measure the greatness of a civilization or species. I would have you believe that progress is marked by the variety and quality of door related hardware you have readily available to you.