Hand-Forged Iron Gate Latch 10.75", Rustic Slide Bolt for Doors - Outlet

Hand-Forged Iron Gate Latch 10.75", Rustic Slide Bolt for Doors

Versatile Applications

This universal grendel bolt is the perfect choice for anyone looking to add a touch of soul to their space. It's ideally suited for:

• Country Homes and Log Cabins: Enhance the traditional aesthetic while securing garden gates, barn doors, or sheds.
• Period Properties: Complement the original character of historic homes with hardware that looks like it's always been there.
• Stylish Interiors: Use it as a unique and decorative latch for a bathroom, study, or wine cellar door.
• Wooden Chests and Furniture: Create a one-of-a-kind piece of furniture with an authentic, handcrafted feel.

A Glimpse into History

The simple slide bolt is one of the oldest forms of home security, its reliability often surpassing that of early, more complex locks. Its use dates back to the Middle Ages, where it was a common fixture in castles, townhouses, and farmsteads. With its decorative, leaf-like backplates, this particular latch harks back to the Gothic and later Baroque periods, when blacksmiths turned everyday utilitarian items into small works of art.

A Blacksmith's Tale: The Heart of the Village

In medieval times, the blacksmith was one of the most vital members of any community. Their forge produced not just weapons and tools, but all the architectural ironmongery needed for construction—from nails and hinges to latches and bolts. The quality and ornamentation of a home's ironwork were a direct reflection of its owner's wealth and status. A decorative latch like this would have been found not on a humble cottage, but on the door of a rectory, a wealthy merchant's home, or the gate to a small manor.

Specifications

• Overall Length: 10.75" (27.3 cm)
• Latch Bar Width: 1.2" (3 cm)
• Mounting Plate Height (Latch): 4.75" (12 cm)
• Mounting Plate Width (Catch): 1.5" (3.8 cm)
• Material: Hand-Forged Steel
• Finish: Traditional Oil-Blackened for weather resistance
• Package Includes: 1x Latch Bar Assembly, 1x Latch Catch

Please Note: Mounting screws are not included.

Installation and Care

Simple Installation

You can install this latch in a few easy steps. First, position the main assembly on your door or gate and mark the screw holes with a pencil. To prevent the wood from splitting, it's best to pre-drill small pilot holes. Then, screw the plate firmly in place. Finally, close the door, position the catch on the frame so the bar slides smoothly into it, and mount it in the same way. Choose screws with heads that match the rustic style, such as black, round, or dome-headed screws.

How to Preserve Its Beauty

The surface is treated with a traditional oil-blackening process, which gives it a beautiful patina and a protective layer against corrosion. For indoor use, a simple dusting is all that's required. If used outdoors, we recommend occasionally (e.g., once a year) wiping it down with a cloth lightly dampened with linseed oil or another protective oil. This will revive the black finish and significantly extend its life and beauty.

What to Avoid

This latch serves as a stylish, supplementary locking mechanism. Do not use it as the sole security for a main entrance door in a high-risk area. To maintain the authentic finish, avoid using harsh chemical cleaners or abrasive pads like steel wool, which could damage the protective oil-blackened layer.