Hand-Forged Door & Gate Latch with Handle and Heart Motif - Outlet

Hand-Forged Door & Gate Latch with Handle and Heart Motif

Functional Romance for Your Gate and Door

This gate latch is the ideal solution for securing wooden garden gates, shed doors, or for interior doors in a rustic cottage or log cabin. It is also perfectly suited for a wine cellar door or as a stylish lock on a large wooden chest. This is a complete, functional mechanism that allows the door to be opened from both sides and securely locked using the provided locking pin and chain. It is the perfect choice for anyone seeking a combination of security, traditional craftsmanship, and original design.

From the History of Door Latches

The Ingenious Thumb Latch

This type of lock, known as a thumb latch or a Suffolk latch, is an example of an ingeniously simple mechanism that has been proven over centuries. It was immensely popular in vernacular architecture throughout Europe and colonial America. Its magic lies in the fact that pressing the thumb lever on the outside of the door lifts the latch bar on the inside via a simple lever action. This allowed doors to be opened from both sides without the need for a complex lock and key. It was a typical feature on the doors of farms, homesteads, and country houses.

A Point of Interest: The Heart as a Protective Symbol

In folk art and crafts, the heart motif was not always just a symbol of love. In many cultures, the heart was also seen as a powerful protective symbol and amulet. It was believed to protect the house and its inhabitants from evil, illness, and misfortune, while bringing happiness, health, and well-being to the home. Placing a heart on the main gate or door was, in essence, a blessing for the entire household and a welcome to guests with good intentions.

Key Features and Specifications

Complete Functional Set

The package contains everything you need for installation:

• Handle with thumb latch lever
• Latch bar with hinge
• Keep (the bar holder)
• Staple (the catch for the end of the bar)
• Locking pin with chain
• 13 matching screws (1.5 inches / 38 mm long)

Design and Material

• Honest Hand-Forged Work: Each part is hand-forged from solid steel, guaranteeing strength and a unique look.
• Romantic Heart Motif: The heart-shaped backplates give the latch a unique and charming character.
• Oil-Blackened Finish: A traditional technique for an authentic rustic look and protection against corrosion.

Detailed Measurements

• Thumb Latch Handle: Height approx. 7.7 in (19.5 cm), Depth approx. 4.4 in (11.3 cm)
• Latch Bar with Hinge: Length approx. 6.6 in (16.9 cm), Plate Height approx. 2.1 in (5.3 cm)
• Keep Plate: Height approx. 4.1 in (10.6 cm)
• Staple Plate: Height approx. 4.1 in (10.6 cm)
• Locking Pin: Length approx. 1.4 in (3.5 cm)

Installation and Care

How to Correctly Install the Latch

Installation requires care. First, mount the handle with the thumb lever and the latch bar with its hinge on the door. Then, position the keep and the staple on the door frame so that the latch bar rests smoothly and horizontally within them. Align all parts carefully and mark the centers of the holes. Pre-drill the holes with a thin drill bit, and finally, fasten everything securely with the provided screws. Lastly, install the eyelet for the locking pin's chain nearby.

Caring for the Forged Surface

Thanks to the durable finish, this set is virtually maintenance-free. To clean, simply wipe the surface to remove dust. To enhance its protection, especially in an outdoor environment, you can occasionally treat all parts with a cloth containing a small amount of natural oil or wax.

What to Avoid

This is a traditional mechanism that may not meet modern high-security standards. Therefore, we do not recommend it as the sole lock for a main entrance door. Do not use brute force when operating the latch—if the mechanism sticks, check if the door or gate has sagged and adjust the hinges if necessary.