What makes the Knapp joint so special is that it was only used for about 30 years, from 1870 until 1900. This joint is the first known mechanization for making drawers in the industrial revolution age until eventually being replaced by a machine that cuts dovetails.

When did dovetail joints start?

When the joint first came into its own, late in the 17th century, it was thought that fewer and larger dovetails made for a stronger joint. Over the years, however, they were cut smaller and finer, with the pins more numerous.

What was before dovetail joints?

During the 17th century, iron nailed joints were gradually changed to dove tail joints, whereby two sides are joined together by interlocking, triangular shaped wedges. Earlier drawer linings were large, crude and dovetail joints became increasingly small and tight during the second half of the 17th century.