No single inventor created the door knob—its development spanned centuries with key improvements along the way. Door knobs evolved from ancient simple pulls to modern designs, with notable patents refining functionality and style.

Early Origins

Doors date back over 4,000 years to ancient Egypt, but early versions used wooden latches, bars, or leather straps rather than knobs. Medieval ironwork added basic pulls for security, transitioning to more refined hardware during industrialization.

Key Patents and Innovators

Glass and metal knobs appeared in the 19th century, with breakthroughs like these:

Innovator| Year| Contribution| Patent/Details
---|---|---|---
Enoch Robinson| 1837| First glass knob in metal socket| Pressed glass process; mushroom-shaped with brass shank 2
Osbourn Dorsey| 1878| Door-closing device with knob improvements and stopper| US Patent 210,764; enhanced latching to hold doors open at angles, cast iron for durability 1567
Walter Schlage| 1919| Knob with push-up lock| Early locking mechanism integrated into knob 8

Dorsey's patent, often credited for the "modern" round knob with internal latch, addressed slamming doors—a practical leap forward. Yet, knobs existed pre-1878, debunking claims he invented them from scratch.

The Dorsey Story

Imagine a 16-year-old African American inventor in 1878 Washington, D.C., tackling everyday frustrations like drafty doors. Osbourn Dorsey's device used a bell-crank lever, collar on the knob spindle, and locking pin to secure doors open securely. His cast iron design outlasted wood or basic metal predecessors, paving the way for today's standards—though viral posts sometimes overstate it as the absolute first.

Pre-1878 Evidence

Newspaper archives and patents confirm knobs predated Dorsey:

  • 1837 glass knobs were mass-producible.
  • Rim locks with pulls/knobs existed decades earlier.

No "first knob" patent exists; it was iterative, like many tools.

Modern Evolution

Victorian ornate brass knobs boomed post-industrialization, shifting to functional levers for accessibility today. Smart locks now blend tech with tradition. No major 2026 news on origins, but restoration trends highlight antique hardware.

TL;DR: Door knobs built gradually—Enoch Robinson shaped early glass versions in 1837, Osbourn Dorsey refined latching in 1878, but no solo inventor.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.