sideboard/dresser lock - lost key

[oldngrey]

I have an old wooden sideboard/dresser but have lost the key to the doors.
Any suggestions how I can open it - without spoiling the wood?
Many thanks for any help

[Varjeal]

We need a few more details than what you've offered so far, and if you can take/post pics that would even be better.

Regardless, we need to know the following things:

1. The shape of the lock.
2. Anything you can see inside the lock.
3. If you know, how the latch operates on the inside
4. Age of the furniture.
5. condition of the lock.
6. Anything you can recall about the key including shape, color, size, etc.

This will help us in identifying it and better addressing your request.

[poisoned]

It would really help if u could post a picture of the lock, but if the keyhole looks something like this there is a good change it can be opened with a nail or something similar object. (just shove it in to the lock and try to find something that can be moved..)

[toomush2drink]

do you remember if the key had a hole in the end before you lost it a bit like a pipe ?

[oldngrey]

thanks varjeal - your advice/instructions enabled me to unlock the cabinet
many thanks for kind help
dermot
birmingham
england

[oldngrey]

followed varjeal's instructions and managed to unlock one lock by "jiggling" L shape coat hanger and releasing
the second lock proved more challenging so I removed back panel of cabinet and removed second lock from inside