Lock Picking 101 Forum
A community dedicated to the fun and ethical hobby of lock picking.
       

Lock Picking 101 Home
Login
Profile
Members
Forum Rules
Frequent Forum Questions
SEARCH
View New Posts
View Active Topics


Live Chat on Discord
LP101 Forum Chat
Keypicking Forum Chat
Reddit r/lockpicking Chat



Learn How to Pick Locks
FAQs & General Questions
Got Beginner Questions?
Pick-Fu [Intermediate Level]


Ask a Locksmith
This Old Lock
This Old Safe
What Lock Should I Buy?



Hardware
Locks
Lock Patents
Lock Picks
Lock Bumping
Lock Impressioning
Lock Pick Guns, Snappers
European Locks & Picks
The Machine Shop
The Open Source Lock
Handcuffs


Member Spotlight
Member Introductions
Member Lock Collections
Member Social Media


Off Topic
General Chatter
Other Puzzles


Locksmith Business Info
Training & Licensing
Running a Business
Keyways & Key Blanks
Key Machines
Master Keyed Systems
Closers and Crash Bars
Life Safety Compliance
Electronic Locks & Access
Locksmith Supplies
Locksmith Lounge


Buy Sell Trade
Buy - Sell - Trade
It came from Ebay!


Advanced Topics
Membership Information
Special Access Required:
High Security Locks
Vending Locks
Advanced Lock Pick Tools
Bypass Techniques
Safes & Safe Locks
Automotive Entry & Tools
Advanced Buy/Sell/Trade


Locksport Groups
Locksport Local
Chapter President's Office
Locksport Board Room
 

Please help with 1920's desk lock

Need help fixing or installing a lock? We welcome questions from the public here! Sorry, no automotive questions, please.
Forum rules
WE DO NOT ANSWER QUESTIONS ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE OR MOTORCYCLE LOCKS OR IGNITIONS ON THIS FORUM. THIS INCLUDES QUESTIONS ABOUT PICKING, PROGRAMMING, OR TAKING APART DOOR OR IGNITION LOCKS,

Please help with 1920's desk lock

Postby kslocker » 21 Apr 2022 7:47

This is my first post here.
I have my mother's old writing desk, best info I have is that it's from the 1920's; maybe from 1910's.
It has two separate locks, the slanted upper part and the drawer.
I have a key that fits the drawer, but it won't fit into the upper part. The diameter of the key barrel is
small enough that it easily fits into the drawer lock, but it won't fit the upper lock!
I'm posting pics here; best I can tell is that if I had another key just like the one I have but with a smaller-sized barrel, it might open the upper lock.
I took the lock out of the drawer to show you what the lock looks like, along with a couple of pics of the key. Remember, the key I have fits the drawer but not the lock in the upper part.
Can anyone help me find a key just like the one I have, but with a barrel slightly smaller diameter?

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image
kslocker
 
Posts: 2
Joined: 29 Dec 2021 8:01
Location: Wichita, Kansas

Re: Please help with 1920's desk lock

Postby GWiens2001 » 21 Apr 2022 20:24

Since the key barrel is of a different diameter, then it stands to reason that the cuts of the key will be different, as well. Either you or more likely a locksmith will need to impression a key for the lock.

As for where to find a blank - go to Ace Hardware and ask for their furniture lock keys. Then try to find a blank similar to your key, but smaller diameter. Don't worry if the key blade is too tall or long. That can be fixed with a file.

After that, you are down to impressioning the key. There is a thread on impressioning different kinds of locks here. Scroll down to the section on lever locks. Your lock is a lever lock.

Best of luck!

Gordon
Just when you finally think you have learned it all, that is when you learn that you don't know anything yet.
User avatar
GWiens2001
Site Admin
 
Posts: 7550
Joined: 3 Sep 2012 16:24
Location: Arizona, United States

Re: Please help with 1920's desk lock

Postby kslocker » 22 Apr 2022 11:47

Thanks for that, GWeins2001, it's greatly appreciated. I especially like the discussion about impressioning a key. And, I didn't know the lock was considered a lever lock!
kslocker
 
Posts: 2
Joined: 29 Dec 2021 8:01
Location: Wichita, Kansas

Re: Please help with 1920's desk lock

Postby GWiens2001 » 22 Apr 2022 19:10

In your pictures of your lock, in the big round hole you can see the levers and the stump from the bolt. That is how I knew it is a lever lock. The same format (barrel key) can also be used with warded locks as well as some that have the key directly contact only the bolt.

Gordon
Just when you finally think you have learned it all, that is when you learn that you don't know anything yet.
User avatar
GWiens2001
Site Admin
 
Posts: 7550
Joined: 3 Sep 2012 16:24
Location: Arizona, United States


Return to This Old Lock

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: Google Adsense [Bot] and 2 guests