How can I open this?

[BaaMoo]

Hi,

This is my first post but I've read many of them and I didn't realise locks and keys are so fascinating.

Sooo can anyone give many a clue how I might be able to unlock this lock that's on an old display cabinet. We lost the key when moving. This is not, I expect, the first post of this kind.

Any advice is most welcome.
https://1drv.ms/i/s!Au_26NT8HZ19r3jl84shmgPCf12W

[ADMIN EDIT: link changed to inline image -Sq]

[Squelchtone]

For that kind of lock, call a local locksmith shop or if cabinet is movable, bring it to a locksmith shop who will more than likely have a key that will work on his wall of keys, or can at leaat open it for less expense at their shop than driving out and charging you for doing so.

It is not an overly complicated mechanism, but might as well be impossible or very difficult if you are a total beginner and have never picked a lock. It is not the kind of mechanism we here normally pick with our lock picks, so trying to convey how to open it via instructions on the forum would be like teaching you how to paint by reading a book with no pictures.

One other possibility is contacting this site and showing them your photo and some keyhole measurements. They may have what you need. http://www.antiquekeys.net/keyblanks.html

Squelchtone

[tjohn]

It's a bit difficult to tell scale from pic but I believe you could order a National D8890 (usually about $5) and it will probably work to open it. That would be the first thing to try and your least expensive first course of action

[GWiens2001]

If you have an Ace Hardware in your area, have them show you their 'furnature lock keys'. They will very likely have exactly what you need. Or close enough that if you trim the flag on the key, it will work easily.

Gordon

[BaaMoo]

Many thanks for the replies, you are all swell.