Abstract: The invention relates to an espagnolette mechanism comprising a first slidable elongate member or rod and a second slidable elongate member or rod which may be displaced in opposite directions by a drive means which comprises a three tooth quadrant gear member afficable to a rotatable handle (not shown) driven through a square, a second rotatable full bear member which has six teeth and is substantially perpendicular to the quadrant gear, a first rack means connected to the first rod and meshing operatively connected with the first and second rotatable gear members, a second rack means connected to the second rod and meshing with the second rotatable gear member, the arrangement being such that in use turning the handle moves the first rack means longitudinally causing rotation of the second gear member which in turn moves the second rack means and the second rod longitudinally in the opposite direction.