Antique Victor wardrobe luggage.

by **Peaky** » 18 Dec 2004 10:07

I have just aqquired one of these with the key missing, i have tried picking it with various tools but cant get any of the internals moveing.
I have not come across this lock before and could do with knowing how it works, i dont need lessons on wafer,warded,lever locks just this specific one. To force the lock is out of the question as its an antique.
Looking through the keyway (which turns 360') you can see a spring at the bottom going from 11 o'clock to 5 o'clock and on the left of the keyway (where the cuts would be on a normal key) you can see a small lever plate with a closed notch in it, this is inline with the keyway but not the length of the keyway, this can be rotated approx 2-3 degrees either way before it stops. I do not want to force anything in case it causes damage so need to know what the key may look like or how the lock works to effectively pick it. I have tried various picks and bent pieces of wire. Sorry the pic isnt very good but it wouldnt take in the keyway. It doesnt conform to normal wafer or lever locks which is why im asking.

http://tinypic.com/view.html?pic=xexde

by **Peaky** » 18 Dec 2004 10:21

edit button please come back, we promise to not abuse you again!!!!

http://tinypic.com/view.html?pic=xexde

And if this one doesnt work im giving up.

by **HeadHunterCEO** » 18 Dec 2004 11:57

maybe you do

looks very much like a warded lock to me.

try a stiff L shaped wire

by **Peaky** » 18 Dec 2004 12:30

Stiff 'L' shaped wire does not work neither does a 'Z' wire.

It is not a simple bolt thrower.

It was the typical "use the search button" comment i dont want,

i know how to pick warded locks they are simple,

this one seems to have no wards in it, internal and definatley non external (on the key way) I can turn the 'L' wire 360' without it catching on anything.

There is no latch that you just throw, it is a little rusty but the internals look ok and i can move them a bit which seems that they are not seized.

Yes i may be able to force it with a strong wire but then this could damage the lock.

by **Romstar** » 18 Dec 2004 12:55

Use a straight wire, and feel for anything springy at the rear of the lock. Also, do you feel any levers in there?

I know you know how to pick, I am trying to find out wjhat this is, because it looks like a small 3 lever lock similar to one on a chest here.

Romstar

by **Peaky** » 18 Dec 2004 13:58

I cant feel anything to be truthful, there is a spring across the bottom of the keyway in the 4.55 position which is the same width as the hole, all i can find that moves is like a wafer lying flat with this notch in and only moves a few degrees, i have tried to draw it as best i can on the link included.
I know its not great but might give a better idea. The spring is attached at both ends, i have tried to lightly force the disc part round both ways but it only moves a few dergrees, the disc part moves freely till it stops, the spring doesnt rotate, the brass keyway is around 4-5 mm deep at the centre but only 2-3 mm deep at the key cut end, i have had a very good feel around in there and can not find anything like levers.
I think perhaps thet the person we have got it from may have somehow damaged the lock trying to open it himself but it doesnt seem scratched etc to suggest this, (he has died hence us inheriting it) It says british made, and was from the steam ship era.

http://tinypic.com/view.html?pic=xg2zd

by **Peaky** » 18 Dec 2004 14:17

I am going to take a pic of the lock through a magnifing glass tomorrow and hopefully that should show it all better.

by **Romstar** » 18 Dec 2004 14:30

That disc with the notch in it has to be turned with the keyway. If it's the type of lock I think it is.
The keys for these darn things were of flat steel, and some of them had a groove in the side. The groove was useless except for providing a bit more strength.

No, the tip of the key was important, because it actually turned something instead of just being a guide. At least, if it is that type of lock.

Good luck,
Romstar

by **Chucklz** » 18 Dec 2004 17:28

I have two very old tin boxes with similar locks and keys. Unforutnately the construction is such that I regrettably cannot tear them apart for you. The tip does appear to interact with something in the back, but I just cant get a good enough view for you to suggest anything more. I had to turn the key for a bit more than 90 degrees before it began to "interact" with any part of the lock. I will see if I can get a better look inside.

by **mcm757207** » 18 Dec 2004 19:14

Looks like a lever lock to me, I've seen chests that have similar locks on it.

by **Peaky** » 19 Dec 2004 5:24

Perhaps it is seized up then as i also thought that the disc with the notch is the bit that turned, i have tried forceing it but it will only move a few degrees either way. I am going to have another look at it now ive slept on it (not literally :lol:

) and post back, once open i will photo it and we can all laugh at how silly i may have been :roll:

by **captainsawdust** » 22 Dec 2004 19:00

you got this opened yet ?

by **Peaky** » 22 Dec 2004 19:04

Yes, it was forced open and the keys found inside, the lock is damaged and even had the tip of a screw driver stuck in it, i will post a pic when i have time, the trunk isnt in very good condition inside so nothing lost and all that.

by **captainsawdust** » 22 Dec 2004 19:05

you didnt find anything inside then ?

by **Peaky** » 22 Dec 2004 19:09

only a lot of mould and the keys to the lock

Antique Victor wardrobe luggage.

Antique Victor wardrobe luggage.

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