How to pick a old steamer trunk lock

[marcelie]

Hi,

I bought a old steamer trunk in an antiquarian but the key was missing and it's locked... I search over the web to learn how to pick a lock, but this lock is not regular..

My lock looks like the one of this topic: viewtopic.php?f=9&t=14794

But I think it is a "long lock" like the one on this image: http://www.stevensantiquetrunks.com/images/locks.jpg

If I try to turn the "barrel" it is loose and turns all the war arround. There is a piece of metal in the middle of the path but I cannot move it... Does someone know how this lock works??

I know I can go to a locksmith but since the trunk cost me 40$ I don't want to pay 30$ to get it open.. and I like challenges.

Thanks,

Marc-Elie

[Solomon]

Can't see it very clearly, but judging by the shape of the key and the free spinning plate you mentioned I'm pretty certain it'll be a warded lock. If that's the case it'll take 2 seconds to open... so if you want an actual challenge, try and impression it.

[marcelie]

Hmm.. There is also a piece of metal that block the path of the key in the middle. I don't understand how the mechanism works and this not seems to be a characteristic of warded locks. My lock is very similar to the one I linked except I would need a corrugated key I just don't understant the role of the metal piece in the middle..

Any suggestion? I can get pictures If it is necessary.

Thanks!

[Greedy]

do you mean a post in the middle of the round section of the keyway?


some old keys have a hole in the end of the shaft that slides over the post and acts as a point of rotation

[Solomon]

Greedy is right about the centre post. If it's a warded lock, it'll have a spring loaded latch right at the back. Just feel around the top section at the back for any kind of spring resistance and push against it till it clicks open. Should be simple enough.

[Squelchtone]

Please search first, several threads already exist dedicated to steamer trunk lock opening.

This thread has some links to other older trunk threads: http://www.lockpicking101.com/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=48480&p=366935&hilit=trunk#p366935

Good Luck
Squelchtone

[marcelie]

Thanks,

I will look behind the metal piece tonight!



@squelchtone

I already read this thread but it didn't help me, there was no information that I found helpful there...

[marcelie]

also, I already linked the thread that was in the thread you post...