The Quest For White Gold
A self-abusive odyssey for an elusive porcelain knob
I wrote this post to remind myself of my own insanity.
In 1851, an American named John Pepper secured a patent for what are now commonly referred to as porcelain knobs. These knobs were available in white, black, and brown variations, and they were constructed from a blend of porcelain and minerals. This unique composition resulted in knobs that were harder and more durable relative to the wooden, brass, and glass knobs that were available at the time1. Over the subsequent half-century, numerous companies, including Phillip Corbin, Sargent & Co., and Russell & Erwin, obtained patents for porcelain and other kinds of door knobs. Understanding the origins of porcelain provides valuable insights into the reasons behind the enduring popularity of these knobs.