Help with 1930s lock (contains pics)

[jhilman]

I have an old 1930s steam trunk that is locked. The key melted in a fire about 40 years ago. The trunk is from J.V. Meyering trunk co. the lock is from Connecticut cabinet lock co. it also has the lettering ST1 which i guess is the lock identification. that company no longer exists. the lock takes some kind of barrel key. There are no locksmiths in the area that will try to open this lock (actually there is only one locksmith in the area). So could some one give me some tips on how to open this lock? Unfortunately i have no experience with lock picking.
Thanks for the help

[GWiens2001]

Two things would help us. First, the pictures would help immensely. Also, if you fill in your profile info, we can see where where you are located. That might help us know what kind of resources might be available in your area.

Gordon

[floridaguy]

It's probably a warded lock from what it sounds like. You can easily impression a key for this. Just take a lighter to a flat piece of metal and make it all black. The metal should be a shape kinda like the key make it like
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The thin bit sticking out should be thing enough for you to rotate around the key hole. Stick the blackened metal in and rotate as if it was the key and you'll encounter resistance. Push slightly against the resistance enough to mark the blackened metal. Take it out and file where you see marks. Repeat until it opens.

[floridaguy]

oops, the formatting messed up my little image. the second column of vertical lines and the horizontal lines above it should be shifted to the right

[ptlockguy]

If you start with a barrel key blank, rather than a flat piece of metal, impressioning is much easier. Just be patient and wiggle the key gently to get a clear mark. File in the center of the marked area and take another impression to check progress.