unusual lock

[cdawg]

i have come across a safe with a lock type i have never seen before. they key has been lost and i want to open it up. the key entry is shaped like this -

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yeah you get the picture

the safe is from the early 1900's but everything seems to be in good order in the safe. i could see a make or model number. thanks guys

[cdawg]

ok that didnt come out that well. the key entry two angles about 30 degrees to the vertical meeting in the middle for a sideways version of this ^

thanks

[What]

Can you get a photo of you next to the safe with some kind of sign? I know the common procedure here is(or used to be) to not help anyone with this sort of issue(even in private) without proof that they do indeed have possession and permission to be working on the safe/lock/whatever.

[cdawg]

thanks for the reply. i will try and get this picture for you. If for the time being i could have any indication as to what type of lock this is that would be great. It seems very strange.

bear in mind it loods like this ^ but rotated 90 degrees clockwise

cheers

[raimundo]

we understand the warding is zigzag, a common old type, in its many variations, but the real question is do you have a pin tumbler lock, or a lever lock. If you had the key, that would be a matter of whether the cuts are sloped to ride pins up and down or just vertical for the lever bitting.

you can get a clue if the round part of the (plug) rotates, a bit that would be a type of 'curtain' (not certain Im using the term right) that also has a tip on it that throws the bolt, or if it does not rotate at all, then you are probably looking at the end of a pin tumber plug.

If you are looking for key blanks for this, look for an old locksmiths shop that has been there for ages and has the old blanks high on the rack, out of the way of daily business.

[greyman]

Since it is a safe, my guess would be some type of lever lock. Without a photo it's hard to tell. I guess you can't see a make or trademark anywhere? How about Country info?

There were some pretty bizarre locks made around the turn of the 20th century. Looking forward to seeing a photo...

[globallockytoo]

based on the limited description....I'd call it an old Ingersoll type cylinder or keyhole.

[Safety0ff]

Yea, I'd say some variation of a lever lock (like an ingersoll or similar construction to those H.S. lever payphone/mail lock)