Forged hasp for Medieval chest

Hasp / latch based on medieval designs.

This forged hasp, also known as a latch, is hand-forged based on medieval designs and stands out for its simple functionality, as was customary for hinges in the Middle Ages.

Even in Celtic and Roman times, chests and boxes were fitted with forged iron hinges, and the later Viking sea chests and wooden chests in medieval households were also usually fitted with iron hinges.

The medieval hasp consists of two parts: the so-called hasp and an eyelet. Two period-style nails are included for fixing.

The dimensions are as follows:
- Latch: 22 x 1.5 cm (12 + 10 cm)
- Eyelet: 5.5 x 3 cm

The forged latch is fitted with two 4 mm diameter holes for fixing.

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The term ‘haspe’ is usually used to refer to a hook that is driven into wood or masonry with a spike and is generally used for hanging door and window leaves or spools of thread. The term ‘haspe’ is found in Middle High German and Middle Low German, where it refers to a door hook, a door hinge or even a thread winder.

In Old High German, the word ‘haspa’ means ‘strand’ or ‘ball of thread’; in Old English, ‘hæsp’ and ‘hæpse’ refer to a ‘clamp’; in Anglo-Saxon, ‘haepse’ and in English, ‘hasp’ denote a ‘hook’, ‘door hook’ or ‘window hook’, as well as a ‘clasp’ or ‘spool’, but also an ‘iron bolt’. In Swedish, this practical device is called ‘hasp och / med krok’ – that is, a drop bolt with an accompanying hook or eyelet.