Monkey Tail Windows? Well, Not Exactly … More Like Casement Windows With a Monkey Tail Casement Latch.
The home on a corner lot in River Oaks was built in 1929 — but it was extensively and elegantly updated. This Texas Landmark home was designed with a Tudor revival exterior —- including a quoined doorway, steep gables, leaded casement windows and clustered chimneys with prominent chimney pots.
When the owners updated the home, the windows were all replaced 
with reproduction divided-light casement windows and they opted to use monkey tail casement latches.
The original casement windows in the home utilized cranks …. you turn the crank to open the window and then turn it again to close it. The problem with that is the cranks are tedious to turn — and often wear out and break.
The solution was to install monkey tail latches … as seen in these photos. The first photo is of the “modern” latch that appears in the home…. sleek and stylish, it tucks up against the window on the windowsill when not in use. When the window is opened outward, the casement latch is set to hold the window open and keep it from banging shut.
How did these latches get their name? Going all the way back to pre-victorian times, it was common for the local blacksmith to hand-forge these items and “curling the tail” finished it off as well as provided a decorative accent popular in homes.
The attached link has historical photos of monkey tail latches from a UK company specializing in reproduction and period ironwork; access link for more information and view photos of latches with the distinctive “high curled tail”
Easy to see why they are called monkey tail latches.
So now you know!
Thanks for Stopping By,
Judith, The SMARTePLAN Lady
Photo by Steve Chenn of Houston
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