General Question

Dog's avatar

How to pick a lock on antique chest?

Asked by Dog (25152points) September 25th, 2009 from iPhone

We have an old cedar chest that belonged to my grandmother. She used it to store blankets. So we are fairly sure that is all that is inside. However it is locked and we do not have the key.

The key type is NOT the flat modern type but is a tubular antique type.

Playing around with dental tools in an attempt to turn the
lock did not help.

We would be most grateful for any advice at all.

Coincedentally we also have an antique breakfront that we need to get a key for. It was made to store silver and only has keyholes instead of knobs.

Many thanks!

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4 Answers

dpworkin's avatar

I used to buy and sell antiques, and most antiques dealers I know keep a whole bunch of skeleton keys for just this type of occasion. I’m sure you could ask someone to unlock it for you. They may even be able to give or sell you a key.

dpworkin (27090points)“Great Answer” (1points) Flag as…
Dog's avatar

Hey @patg7590 I purchased an antique buffet after posting this question and am restoring it. It is all locks- no knobs- and of course no key.

I used the link you posted for Brettuns Village and emailed them. They said to mail them one of the locks. I did and they quickly re-keyed it for me and sent it back for only $25.00!

Thank You!

Dog (25152points)“Great Answer” (1points) Flag as…
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