Our crystal knobs attach to their solid brass turned shanks with techniques patented by Enoch Robinson and Francis Draper in 1836 (US65 and US98), and by Enoch Robinson and George W. Robinson in 1837 (US434). These patents address a new and useful improvement in the manufacture of door, commode, furniture, and other knobs, by which the knob is securely fastened to the plate or socket without any spindle or screw being inserted into the glass. Enoch Robinson, mechanic, working together with Francis Draper, a whitesmith or maker of britannia wares, produced the first two patents, which mate a glass knob ending in an octagonal foot inserted into a corresponding octagonal socket so that the knob shall not turn in the socket. Patent No. US65 compresses all components together with a split ring and a threaded ferrule, while Patent No. US98 employs roll-forming technology to secure the connection. In Patent No. US434, Robinson’s third patent, a denticulated knob is held in place by a keystoned socket.

E.R. Butler & Co., as the successor to E. Robinson & Co., continues to produce crystal knobs of superior design and workmanship. Our collection includes an historic variety of shapes, colors, and sizes. Round, oval, octagonal, or faceted knobs may have concave, flat, or convex surfaces. Crystal knobs may be clear, milk, opalescent, amber, ruby, ox-blood, amethyst, cobalt, emerald, or black, as well as silvered or etched. Hand engraving and custom colors may be had by special order.

Knobs range in size from 2 ¹⁄₄ and 1 ³⁄₄ inch diameter and projection for doors to 1 ¹⁄₄ inch for cabinets and fine furniture. Multiple shank profiles are available in many decorative finishes; all knobs are fully complemented by architectural trim including hinges, handles, locks, cane bolts, cylinder rings and covers, key escutcheons and covers, thumb turns, doorstops, etc.