Iron Studs

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Genuine "castle doors" don't have frames. They're universally flat-boarded on the outside , because exposing the framework also shows where best to break it.

They're widely available. The cheap and convenient option is to use square-headed coachscrews.

You'll also need hinges and knocker, which you'll either be making or buying from a real smith. They'll be able to source the studs too.

As a finish, then take any zinc coating off first with some convenient acid (even vinegar), then rust brown them (salt and warm humidity), then blacken them with phosphoric acid. Finally oil them.

Watch out for "iron stain" if you put steel fittings into oak. best option is to darken the oak first (ammonia gas, ammonia liquid or iron acetate (wire wool and vinegar) in increasing darkness. .

If you really want something special go to your local blacksmith. This sort of stuff is bread and butter to them. Watch them make one, it shows their skills at the highest level of simplicity. it's like magic.

Sort of on fire and accompanied by a male voice choir? ;-)

Not quite the right size but ironmongery direct do 15mm studs. For anything smaller than this your best bet might be to find a friendly blacksmith. and get some knocked up.

Thats down the road, in Blaeau Festiniog, we have a welsh soloist in our valley, you can get his CDs on amazon.

The Ironmongery direct one has no picture - I guess I should order just one.

I was hoping to avoid my local blacksmith. I guess I should go further afield to find one :-)

Rick

The printed catalogue (free) has a tiny pic, doubt it would scan well.

Plenty of other work for them with the hinges etc so you might get one interested further afield. Some friends of mine used a guy in the Peak District for similar work on their entire barn/farmhouse conversion about three years ago - I know he retired recently else you would have had a good one to use. His work was exceptional.

Rick formulated the question :

What I call 'coach bolts' have a square head. Like a large wood screw, with a straight shank and a square head. They might be a little too long for your needs. You could always have some square rustic looking heads welded onto no. 14 or larger screws.

What, with scorch marks round the letterbox?

I would suggest a reed switch on the door and a concealed digital audio playback device. Then you can sample a scoobysqueak off the telly.

Owain

periodproperty.co.uk now sells those - at what price I dont know, IIRC they didnt dare say.

NT

Funny about that, I was in my local; B&Q yesterday, and saw a bag of them. No idea of the price as they weren't on my mental list of things to look out for.

Rick... (The other Rick)