I would say that kind of switch was used when knob and tube wiring was installed in homes, with that I narrowed it down to between the 1880's and 1930's, but I think they went out of code in the late 1950's.
As I recall first the twist switches, then the two-button, then toggle. I was sexton at an big 'ol church that was a museum of old electrical and plumbing practices. The gas lighting was still in place in many parts; but unused.