espagnolette

right|thumb|Espagnolette locking device An espagnolette is a locking device, normally mounted on the vertical frame of a French door or casement window. A handle or knob is connected to a metal rod mounted to the surface of the frame, about a metre above the floor. Operating the handle rotates the rod, which has hooks at each end that fit into sockets at the head and sill of the opening. This type of lock is often used on semi-trailer trucks with dry van and reefer semi-trailers to fasten the rear doors as well as in intermodal containers. It can be identified by the use of a round bar, instead of a half-round bar used on a crémone bolt.

The espagnolette mechanism consists of a vertical rotating rod (3) that is mounted using sleeves onto the inner face of the window sash (traditionally on the rebate or strike edge). The rod is centrally connected to a decorative lever arm (1), also known as a paddle or handle, which is hinged and rotates outward from a metal keeper bracket (2). When pulled, this action rotates the rod, which engages or disengages forged hook-shaped ends at the top and bottom. These hooks catch behind metal pins (called "stops" or "studs") mounted on the frame — one of which is visible at the floor (4). In the closed position, the handle may also latch into a fixed frame-mounted hook, ensuring secure locking. This setup allows tall sashes to be locked at both ends simultaneously.