Thumb and gate latches are available in a number of materials and qualities, from black antique Suffolk latches to solid brass and gorgeous pewter. 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. Pewter thumb and gate latches are growing in popularity and we offer some charming example in our From the Anvil range.

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 and is usually used internally on ledged and braced doors with London pattern tee hinges.