Crittall Windows for cheap?

[malcolm]

I think the end glazing panels in my big bay window were once Crittall openers that went rusty and were replaced by modern a pane of glass with lead stuck to it.

Upstairs I still have the Crittall openers fixed into the same frame design and they work brilliantly. I want some downstairs now. I'll add separate secondary glazing as I want to use leaded glass to the outside.

Crittall still exist but only for posh people now. Prices are out of my budget. eBay is pretty good, and I could modify windows to adjust the size, but openers on there are too small. My bay openers would be about 135 x 55cm. They are mild steel after 1900 ish so I could extend frames if I can get enough matching ones. The other bay has curved glass and I reckon I can make a curve in the crittall profile.

Anyone found a source of Crittall windows or profiles to make them? I have an urge to have openers so I can speak to neighbours who pass by while I'm laying my parquet.

 

[Feltwell]

Crittall windows are indeed stupidly expensive now, I've looked into them for some French doors for here.

Other makers of metal windows are available though, and all seem to use the same W20 / W30 / W40 profiles. Unless anyone can tell me differently it seems with Crittall it's the name that is being paid for now.

Examples:-

http://www.midlandmetalwindows.co.uk/

https://www.reametal.co.uk/

Still won't be cheap mind. There are aluminium copies out there that are cheaper, but not as nice. This might be useful:-

https://www.steel-window-association.co.uk/specifiers-guide

 

[malcolm]

Thanks Feltwell - I searched for the W numbers and profiles have started popping up. I can make the things myself if I can get profiles and it will probably be easier than extending old rusty stuff from eBay. I've been having a lot of trouble searching for unusual stuff recently.

I can make the hardware myself.

 

[Feltwell]

If you can make those then you're a far better metalworker than I am!

 

[malcolm]

If you can make those then you're a far better metalworker than I am!

I did those in 2015 during a heatwave. I had been trying to match the original handle and stay in the photo. Having them custom made would have been a grand. Knocked them up in a day and a half complete with a brass domed bit made from brazing wire on top of bolt head and then ground to shape using a pillar drill and flap disc. A good bodge is very satisfying.

I've been struggling to find sections to make new windows. Might be a better idea to just get enough window on eBay to be able to extend to the right height. The most common ones are 1950s. The handles and stays are a bit boring and the hinges stick out a long way.