From The Anvil Suffolk Latches and Thumb Latches

Hand-Forged Suffolk Latches and Thumblatches for Ledged and Braced Doors

A Suffolk latch, also called a thumb latch or thumblatch, is the traditional way to open a ledged and braced or plank door. Press the thumb lever on the outside and the thumb bar passes through the door, lifting the latch bar on the other side so the door opens. It is the classic choice for cottages, barn conversions and period homes.

From The Anvil Blacksmith thumblatches are hammered into shape from mild steel using a traditional anvil and fire method, in Black, Pewter, Beeswax and External Beeswax. The range also includes cast Suffolk latches, including a Polished Brass set forged from solid brass. Thumblatches are usually hung with T hinges on traditional plank doors.

Thumb Latches in This Collection

• Gothic thumblatches in standard and XL versions
• Bean thumblatches in Slim, Medium and Heavy weights, with Medium XL versions for thicker doors
• Tuscan thumblatches, the largest design, for doors up to 80mm thick
• Cast Suffolk latches in Black and Polished Brass, and a Black cast thumblatch set with a chain and locking pin for privacy
• Matching Gothic door furniture, T hinges and door bolts to finish the door

Suffolk Latches and Thumb Latches: Questions

What is the difference between a Suffolk latch and a thumb latch?

They are the same type of latch. Suffolk latch is the traditional name for a thumb latch on a separate handle plate, while thumb latch or thumblatch describes how it works: you press the thumb lever to lift the latch bar on the other side of the door.

How thick a door will a From The Anvil thumblatch fit?

It depends on the design. Standard Gothic, Medium Bean and Heavy Bean thumblatches suit doors up to 55mm thick, XL versions suit doors up to 75mm, Tuscan thumblatches suit doors up to 80mm, and the cast Suffolk latches suit doors up to 44mm. Each product page lists the maximum door thickness.

Trade Door Handles is part of T.H. Wiggans Ironmongery, an independent architectural ironmonger trading since 1976. We have supplied From The Anvil for decades, and both our T.H. Wiggans showroom in Kendal and our Trade Door Handles showroom in Carlisle have From The Anvil displays, so you can see the finishes before you order. Visit our showrooms or contact our team for help choosing.