Anyone have a wood arched screen door that could help me with a hardware question?

Question

I want to reattach the original arched screen door to my tudor home. I found it in the basement and it is in great shape but is minus all of it's hardware. I am unsure how the wood screen doors used to work. The door is chisled for three hinges and has a circular hole for a knob. What kind of knob and closing mechanism was used before that ugly arm thing they use today? The edge with the knob is completely smooth so I'm not sure how the door would stay closed. I'm also not sure of the hinges that I need. Could they be spring hinges that were used? I'd appreicate any help from someone with one of these doors. Thanks.

Answer 1

Knowing how large the circular hole is would be helpful. If its about a 1" diameter a standard screen door lock will work. If larger you will need a special lock. Screen doors used to have springs(stretch springs) to hold them closed. They are still sold at hardware stores. Springs allow a door to slam quite hard as there is no cushioning device to slow it down like the modern day closers do.
For the hinges, measure the length of the recessed(chiseled) opening. It should be a even number like 2" or 2-1/2". Buy a square hinge that size. When opened most hinges are actually square. I am assuming the hinge is chisled in the edge of the door and not the face.
Hope the helps.