bitbuster wrote:Hmmm..... no lucky number box 13 in that nest. Superstition?
I'm guessing, because many hospitality properties don't have a 13th room or floor due to superstitions.
I’m again guessing that the boxes were somewhat simple
Not in my limited experience. These were made in an era when attention to detail and robustness were common.
If that’s the case, would you be able to recommend a small set of pick tools that might help me? Like I mentioned in the original post, I’ve got some limited experience picking simple padlocks and desk drawers/cabinets. I used a modified 90 degree screwdriver for tension and a heavy paper clip. It worked ok for the real simple stuff. Bottom line is if I’m able to open at least one of these boxes to find out what type of lock the boxes have, I could go from there and it would be a great personal accomplishment.
Thanks so much for your help and all of the others who have responded to my post so far.
None of the items you've mentioned will be helpful.
This lock doesn't utilize pins or wafers like you're used to, but a set of flat, thin parts called levers. You will need to make a tension wrench capable of putting significant pressure on the lock core. Also, you'll see people picking with a standard pin hook; the problem is the face of the hook is wider than the thickness of the lever, making it very possible to lift more than one lever at a time.
Maybe this is an exploitable weakness, but I am betting something that allows you to manipulate each lever individually will bear more fruit. You will need something like a cheap 'precision' screwdriver kit, that you can bend to make a short L at the end of the shaft. Watching one of Mr. Squelchtone's videos, apparently it is possible to tension one keyway and pick another in certain lock systems, perhaps yours may have the same vulnerability. Better still would be a trip to your local hobby store; buy some piano wire so you can really push up on the levers.
I appreciate the fact you feel opening the individual container locks would be an accomplishment, plus keeping what you find, but... those are not beginner locks, and you may find yourself investing some time in it. I do promise the last one you open will probably take much less time than the first one.
Honestly, drilling them out (I won't detail it here, I don't think that's a public side thing I can do) is your best bet. If you want it in truly 'restored' condition, you're gonna have to cut a key for each door, and a master. If you just want in, defeat the locks, and let the doors swing freely.
Either way, it's a beautiful piece in the rough, and with some TLC, would be absolutely impressive and show worthy!
