Weird Ukranian lock

[send9]

I have a thing for weird locks, so I bought this thing directly from Ukraine, via eBay (I'm from that part of the world originally, so it held some significance).



Now that I have it, I can't even open it with a key. Is this a lever lock or something else? Has anyone seen one like it?

I've used lever locks in the past, and they were a bit tricky but not like this. Maybe it's defective?

I tried shimming the shackle but the locking 'dogs' are probably not where I think they are.

[Robotnik]

Have never seen one of those personally, nor could I tell you by looking at it whether it's lever or simply warded. Looking at the key, if it is a lever lock it doesn't appear to be a complicated one, maybe one or two levers.

Have you tried smoking or inking the key to see if you're getting any marks? This would indicate whether there's any binding levers or obstructing wards; you could then file down the key in these spots.

[GWiens2001]

Very secure. So secure that even the key won't open it.

Can we get a picture of the back of the lock and the key placed in the keyway so we can see the clearance between the tallest part of the key bitting and the keyway itself.

Finally, do you feel anything when you turn the key? Does it turn in a full circle without seeming to touch anything? Does it only turn a bit, then come to a hard stop? Does it turn a bit, then you feel spring resistance before coming to a stop?

Looking forward to your answer.

Gordon

[billdeserthills]

Makes me wonder if this is actually a "trick lock"?

[cheerIO]

With the stamped keys it can't be of much quality.

What is sticking out of the lower right corner? Is that the heel end of the shackle? Does it go all the way up through the case?

[send9]

Thanks for all the answers!

So, I can't even turn the key. I'm not sure I'm even putting it in right. When I insert it in the way I have it in the first picture, when the bottom of the key touches the bottom of the keyway, the highest part of the key touches the top. I can see clear inside the keyway to the back of the lock, and the only thing I notice is some cut-out portions at the bottom.

And I'm unsure what that is sticking out from the bottom of the lock. I'm going to try to research it. At first I thought it was offset from the shackle, but there is a bit of a bend to it and perhaps that's what it is.

I wasn't aware of the 'smoking' trick, does that just mean getting some soot on the key so it rubs on the warding/levers?

The lock almost looks like it opens up (i.e so you can see the internals, or whatever is inside), which is odd. Hopefully these pictures help...

EDIT: I should have looked at the eBay listing I bought it from earlier! Better pictures (shows it open) and some hints: http://www.ebay.com/itm/IRON-PADLOCK-CO ... true&rt=nc

It says:
"Rare model of lock used as second lock, with 'contol' door. Made of Steel.
Lock with one 2 keys. Made in city Zhytomyr, Ukraine (ex-USSR) in 1980s."

[billdeserthills]

I can't believe that actually keeps any amount of theft from taking place, It looks like it would self-destruct if hit with a hammer!
Can't You just shine a flashlight in that crack in the side and look at the insides?
Wow looking at that again makes me think it was made in a "shop class" --Do people really lock up valuables with such a lock?

[send9]

80s construction in the USSR...they made do with what they had

[billdeserthills]

80s construction in the USSR...they made do with what they had

I have padlocks from the 1880's that are better constructed

[GWiens2001]

The key is put into the lock upside down.

Gordon

[send9]

The key is put into the lock upside down.

Gordon

Yeah, oops, I figured this out from looking at the eBay pictures. Still can't open it though.

[GWiens2001]

Well, it was worth a try!

The lock may just be up to the work ethics and quality control of some communist countries... "as long as they pretend to pay us, we'll pretend to work".

Gordon

[Danbot]

That is one strange looking lock. Maybe they sent you the wrong keys!!

Make some tools and pick it!!!

[I Pik U]

Try lubricating it with something.
Try the key both clockwise and counter-clockwise.

The way the side is slightly open, I wonder if it's been hit or dropped, and something is now out of place and jammed.

Might have to open her up one day if you can't get her working.