The history of the knob is woven through the history of furniture. Every age found a suitable application for this simple fitting. Despite their apparent utility, knobs are somewhat less common in earlier periods than later. This may be explained by their fundamental vulnerability.
Rugged durability is the mark of medieval and Jacobean furniture.
The need for furniture to survive rough treatment and travel would discourage the use of fixed projections. Many handles seen on early furniture took the form of drops or rings that project very little, or were simply keys. Later we find the knob gain more general application. The knob played a restricted role during the 18 th century periods of formal furniture making. If they are to be found at all it will be on small doors and drawers inside desks, these little brass knobs were usually cast, hand finished and attached with a simple hand cut integral woodscrew.