thumb latch

[K8]

Hi
Part of our slow work on my 1850 or so cottage we are building a board door to replace where there is currently a inner door way with the door no longer present.
I have sourced a web site with Penny T hinges to match the other original door (though bigger as the current ones are potentially undersized) in the room but am struggling to find a thumb latch to also match (or at least be very similar).
It seems not very common to find a latch with a rectangluar backing plate, nearly all the ones I find that are a nice oiled steel rather than dipped in yucky black paint do not have back plates.

This is a picture of the thumb latch I am trying to find one to match.

Bigger image can be found here

I have found this here as about the only thumb latch selection that sort of is close in design but I think the finish may be wrong.

but would be grateful of any ideas, or sites you know I should include in my search please

 

[Nemesis]

The Period Property Shop - Ludlow, but other branches I believe, is where I got one with a rectangular plate.

 

[biffvernon]

Talk to these people:

http://www.arciron.com/Arnold1.html

 

[K8]

thank you, they appear to no longer supply latches with backing plates on checking again on their website.
Perhaps each shop stocks add hock items.

 

[Nemesis]

I was in Ludlow two weeks ago and the shop there still had 'em in.

Try ringing and asking. They are individually made by a local smith.

 

[K8]

thank you too for the other link, I am trying an enquiry with them

 

[Nemesis]

Help if I gave the right name - Period House Shop.

 

[K8]

Just called, I am going to send them a snail mail with a photo so that they can see if it sort of matches their stock.

Hopefully going to be sorted with either this place or a reply back from Architechural Ironmongery. Thank you.

 

[K8]

letter ready to post, had to go to town as the printer decided to run out of ink before I could print the picture.. doh!
I do hope they have one that is a good match, the lady sounded very hopeful if they do I'll buy 2 to fit to the other new door.

 

[middi]

Just pause and evaluate the potential of those " potentially undersized" penny hingies KB.

They have been there for 150 yrs and will probably last just as long.

Unless they are not serviceable anymore I would be tempted to save the money for their replacement.

 

[K8]

the door in the photo is not being touched staying as is, as you say been there for around 150 years and still holding up, but will use longer ones on the new door

 

[NT]

Where is the problem with changing the finish of what you buy? Black finish is normally japan black.


NT

 

[JanieB]

Also look at http://www.OldHouseStore.co.uk. They seem to have blacksmiths who will make what you want.

 

[biffvernon]

Black finish is normally japan black.

I don't think so.

 

[Nemesis]

The problem is with the sort of latch required is that they are readily available covered in cheap black paint, which covers over the really cheap and nasty latch beneath. The backing plate is a bit of machine cut steel. The other sort are readily avialable by mail order, but they are not the correct type for many places.

We spent ages looking for decent ones, and got them in Ludlow. These are individually made and each one different because of this.

Other stuff in our house would have been made by the local smith, but what was once a heather covered smithy is now a bijou residence with hard cement render and little period charm.

So getting something hand made, even if in another county, is always good.

 

[K8]

yes I already have a nasty black one covering a mass produced cut latch which is frankly horrid, I'll keep you posted on what I source, thanks for all your help

 

[K8]

Very impressed Period Property Shop have sent me an email following my letter with two images of their latch 8)

It is quite a good match.
The back is very different but perhaps less bothered as that will not be on show at the same time as the back of the other door in the same room.

Really good service

 

[NT]

If its riveted together and you want a plain rectangular back, should not be too hard to replace the back piece.


NT

 

[K8]

Cheers NT, the back plate is pretty similar and also plain so that's OK

Their Blacksmith can make alterations to the design for a small price increase so I will now consider asking for the front to match and live with their simple back design. The front on their latch is quite a good match except the handle is a bit Tea Pot like where as mine is more angular and I am not keen on the Tea Pot shape personally.

 

[K8]

I am now looking to use a local Blacksmith to create me my door latches. I can't get off the shelf (fair enough) what I am after so have contacted a local chap to see how making them for me. This will give me the opportunity to employ someone local, create a latch based on the existing design but less the backing plate as these are for internal doors, and will make the design look lighter.
Let's hope the cost is not prohibative