Non standard National Hive 18"x16 Hive

[Etton]

I have an old hive 18" by just over 16" (22 cms deep) to all intents a national brood box but needs top bar frames of 15.5" as opposed to 17" , anyone any idea of type of hive, if there is one, and can I get the shorter top bar frames of 15.5" or do I just cut 17" ones to fit?

 

[Poly Hive]

Sounds like a Smith hive.

Smith Beehive Dimensions and statistics. External dimension – 16 3/8” x 18 ¼” Brood body depth - 8 7/8” 14” x 12” brood body depth - 12 ½”

PH

 

[Hivemaker.]

anyone any idea of type of hive,

Description is much like a Smith hive.

 

[MuswellMetro]

My cousin uses smith hives & frames and they are also top bees space not bottom bee space,

thornes do smith frames, get a pack of 50 SN4 2nd for £27 in their winter sales and mix and match with your national brood side bars