Stuck lock - need help

[phil_paris]

Hi there, I've been fighting with an old lock on a closet door for a few hours now and I'm not getting anywhere so I'm turning to those more skilled at this. Basically I can't get the door of a built-in closet I have in my apartment open: I have the key, the key turns both ways but when it should open it just stays closed. I don't want to break the key by pushing too hard but that probably wouldn't do any good anyway. It's a pretty old lock. Here are a few pics of the door and the key. Any help would be super appreciated, thanks!

[mseifert]

Hello,

When you turn the key can you feel any resistance like your are coming into contact and turning the warding on the inside of the lock..

[phil_paris]

Hi, no when I turn the key it's pretty smooth, there doesn't seem to be any resistance.

[mseifert]

There may be a mechanical failure inside the lock .... Based on what I see you should be able to look inside the lock and see if the warding is still present

[phil_paris]

Hi, thanks for your help. Seems like the lubricant worked its magic, the door just opened! Cheers from Paris