Briefcase Lock Question

[oogieball]

I inherited a briefcase with great sentimental value that is in incredible shape for its age. It is from the 1960s or earlier, and was made by Lee Fordin in NYC. The only issue is that the key for the locks was lost a long time ago. (The case is unlocked.) I've never seen it. I contacted local locksmiths, and they basically said the cost to make another key would be more than the briefcase is worth, but there are some specialty people old there who still do that work, or there are master keys out there that can work. I understand that the case will not be secure with the lock, but it is more for the personal value of the briefcase.

I've been unable to find any briefcase locksmiths or key caches in my searches online. I was hoping that someone here could point me in the right direction of:

- Where such collections of master keys might be, or
- How to "reverse engineer" the key from the lock.

I've included a photo below. Any help is greatly appreciated.

[GWiens2001]

Where are you located? There are those among us who could make a key, or may be able to direct you where to go, but we need to know where on the planet you are located.

Gordon

[oogieball]

NYC area, thanks.

[billdeserthills]

Ohio Travel Bag still sells some luggage keys


https://ohiotravelbag.com/pages/catalog

[Squelchtone]

NYC area, thanks.

Stop by Greenwich Locksmiths in the village. They've been around for ages and may have a key hanging on a hook or can at least do a decent job and not over charge you.

Enjoy this nice story they did about them:

[oogieball]

Greenwich Locksmiths definitely looks like a place that could help. I knew there had to be somebody in the city doing this, but I don't think I knew the right way to search for them. I'll give them a call tomorrow. Thanks.

[Squelchtone]

Greenwich Locksmiths definitely looks like a place that could help. I knew there had to be somebody in the city doing this, but I don't think I knew the right way to search for them. I'll give them a call tomorrow. Thanks.

I've met them before at a trade show and at their shop. Even had my house key copied there so I could get one of their keys and key chains and I'm up here in Massachusetts, so you know they're legit.

Even if they charge you $45 bucks for the key, you mentioned that this was a very sentimental item, so I hope you get a working key out of it.

When you call, tell them it is unlocked and ask if they could "impression" a key for it, you'll immediately sound like you know what you're talking about.

let us know how things go, thank you!
Squelchtone

[billdeserthills]

, $45! I have hundreds of these pre-cut luggage keys in my shop--I never knew they had become so valuable

[femurat]

Finding the correct key won't be 45$. Impressioning one could be.

Cheers

[billdeserthills]

Finding the correct key won't be 45$. Impressioning one could be.

Cheers

Too late--I already marked up all my prices!

Actually I noticed years ago that due to my limited hours & the 5 hardware stores that cut keys in my area,
that the prices on anything the hardware stores don't sell needed to be higher, just so I could keep my shop
open

[oogieball]

Just called him. I'm texting him a picture of the lock, and he's going to let me know.

Thanks again.

[stratmando]

If you can turn the center piece so it aligns with slot can only help. Like Ready for a Key. Good Luck

[rphillips52]

There is a bunch of keys on eBay currently
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Portfolio-Br ... SwvIpahyBE
In Britain, a common key is Cheney #30. Look on eBay for a single-bit key with a bullet ward on the correct side; exact fit is rarely critical.