Thumb & Gate Latches

Thumb & Gate Latches

Thumb & Gate LatchesThumb and gate latches are available in a number of materials and qualities, from mass produced black japanned Suffolk latches to solid brass and even wood. Two of the most popular styles for interior doors are the malleable iron latches and the hand forged latches.

Malleable Iron Latches  

English manufactured brand Kirkpatrick uses malleable iron for its superior strength and durability and finishes it with rust-proofing and high quality paints. This type of black antique latch will benefit from a light oiling of its moving parts and a regular coating of wax on its surface. Any type of iron is susceptible to rusting, but by choosing Kirkpatrick malleable iron door handles you can be confident that you are purchasing a quality product which is both functional and highly decorative.

Hand-Forged Latches  

Rustic door latches have a more natural iron colour and a protective coating of bees wax. No two pieces are alike as each item is hand-forged with characteristic hammer marks at the edges. Examples of these door handles can be seen at the historic colleges of Oxford University and in many period homes. The bean thumb latch is the most common of these today and is usually used internally on ledged and braced doors with London pattern tee hinges.