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Latches - Thumb latches were
ubiquitous before the Industrial Revolution. These
came in infinite variations, with two major categories --
Suffolk and Norfolk. Suffolk handles are forged from
one bar with a cusp or flat part on the upper and lower
ends. These were more common during Colonial times and
in early America. Norfolk thumb latches have a plate
with the handle attached. These were much more common
after sheet metal became readily available in the late
1700's and were imported in quantity from England in the
early 1800's.
In addition to thumb latches, hasps and latch hooks (also
called hook and eye) were commonly used to latch and lock
doors. |
