Vintage Beer Tap Knobs

Now standard equipment along with back bar statues and coasters, tap knobs originally served a very specific function. When Prohibition ended in 1933, regulations required taps to be clearly marked with a beer brand. Thus the tap knob industry was born. The most collectible knobs, called ball knobs because of their small, round shape, were the main type of knob used from the 1930's to the mid 1950's. They were usually simple, made of metal or resin, and displayed the logo of whatever beer was on tap.