Abstract: A bolt mechanism of the disclosure has a bolt driven between latching and non-latching positions by a rotary electric motor through a speed reduction gear drive train which includes a slip clutch that permits the bolt to be manually moved from either position thereof to the other in a manner overriding the drive train and the motor. The electric motor is of the DC type, and an electrical control circuit therefor reverses polarity and terminates the motor operation as the bolt moves to either of its positions so that subsequent normal motor operation is in a reverse direction to drive the bolt to the other position. A recess in the bolt receives an output gear of the drive train as well as an elongated gear rack fixedly mounted with respect to the bolt and meshed with the output gear to provide the bolt movement during motor operation. A handle mounted on the bolt is manually grasped to provide the overriding movement of the bolt.