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Smiths Patent

5/10/2018

2 Comments

 
I recently had the pleasure of being invited to Lord and Lady Heber-Percy's home, Hodnet Hall, to repair and service their Smiths. Unlike the previous Smiths (Andrew Smiths) this one had far more wear to it and will take a little more time and effort to get it working correctly to centre the door as it should. A second visit to Hodnet Hall can hardly be described or thought of as a chore however and I look forward to it.

Here are couple of links to this fine country house and the magnificent award winning gardens for those interested.


http://www.hodnethallgardens.org/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hodnet_Hall
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As can be seen in the top picture to Smiths Patent was slightly different to those I have come across since starting this blog, this one has a small access hole in the brass decor plate.
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The top centre was somewhat seized and therefore we had a little difficulty in removing the door the Smiths controlled.

We also noted a few other types of door closers on our visit, all of which I will discuss in later blog posts.

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After returning to Hodnet Hall we can now report that the Smiths is as good as new and returning the door to centre position (every time), quietly and as smoothly as the day it was first put in. It eventually required claws, a spring set, a pivot we sourced from another Smiths (all be it a slightly different profile) and work to take up wear in the brass shoe to get the Smiths back to its former glory.
As usual please feel free to comment if you have enjoyed this or any other posts.
2 Comments
Sean
9/1/2018 08:47:46 pm

Finally I know what these plates are in my house!

How expensive are they to refurb? We are in Oxted, Surrey.

Sean

Reply
LESLIE LYONS
4/30/2019 12:52:50 pm

Hello Midlands Floor Springs

We have a Smith's Patent in good order and condition but are missing the adjustable top insert x 2 for the door frame shown on one of your pics.. The swing doors are circa. 1910 and certainly made in England and described by an English Carpenter here as 'Gunstock' design and were originally in the Perth Western Australia Supreme Court.
Hoping you are you able to assist

Kind regards
Leslie

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    As there is so little information out there with regard to door closers, especially vintage and antique model floor springs, I thought I would start this blog.

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