I recently purchased an iron strong box from around the late 1800s. It
had been in a crawl space under a building which was torn down. While
digging a foundation for the new building, they discovered the crawl space
and auctioned off the strong box without opening it. I want to get it open
without damaging the lock or strong box.
It has a lid that opens on the top, with a hand-wrought handle. On the
front of the box is a lock protector made out of nickel. When it is spun up
you can see the lock. The entire rest of the strong box has rust all over it,
but the inside of the lock appears to have been protected somewhat from
rust, as much as I can see. Forgive my lack of terminology, I am just
trying to describe the lock. I will also attach links to pictures.
A few years ago I had learned to pick simple locks, but have not done that
in years and no longer have tools. What would I need to pick a lock like
this?
If you peer up in the lock with a flashlight, you can see the metal parts of
the lock, and they don't appear to be rusted at all. But they most likely
have not been operated in at least a century if not longer. I assume I
should spray WD-40 on the parts of the lock to make sure it is lubricated.
Is this correct?
The pin (I think that is what it is) which the key pivots on to turn and open
the lock makes it somewhat difficult (although not impossible) to get a coat
hanger up inside the lock, but I have no idea where to apply torque or
even what I am supposed to do in this style lock? I have read through the
MIT Guide to Lockpicking, and understand the general idea for modern
locks, but I don't know what style of lock this is that I am dealing with or
how it works.
I've cleared away the rust from the lid edges, and the hinges are brass
and have been cleaned up, so I assume I pick this lock and it should open,
but with a lot of elbow grease. I've already tried a large amount of force
with pipes to see if it was just rusted shut and not locked.
Thanks for reading and I appreciate any help you can give me.
Dave
Seriously though, there is a reasonable chance that you will get it open simply by going at it with a bent piece of coat hanger or something like it. I don't think it's gonna make any sense buying warded picks to go at this thing. I think if it were me, I'd try it myself with makeshift tools, and failing that, I'd call a locksmith. Or, I might be tempted to clean it up as best I can, and make it a conversation piece in the rec room. Leave it locked, in that case. It'll make for more lively conversation.
