Novel Reversible Plate Latch for Right Hand or Left door 8 1/4" x 2 1/2"- Patented 1890

This novel plate latch relies on gravity to return the latch bar to its resting place, similar to a thumblatch, but this design by "AB" makes three technical advances. The latchbar and guide are mounted on a portable plate, thus easing installation compared to its thumblatch ancestor. Also, a spindle that connects the two knobs passes through a cam mounted in the plate, whereby any rotational motion of a knob is translated to vertical motion of the latch bar. Finally, the cam (aka hub) can be relocated, thus making the latch reversible.

This plate is  8 1/4" x 2 1/2, and a recently-made keeper is available for an additional $35.

Although tiny Georgian brass knobs are available and correct ($70/pr) when paired with a recently made Georgian-style rosette ($30), any combination of knobs and exterior trims can be used. Shop for "Parts and Components" in the Three Centuries of Hardware" dropdown menu.