| Author |
 Replies: 24 / Views: 3,840 |
|
Bedrock of the Community
United States
11951 Posts |
I was buying a collection today. When done I ask the owner if he wanted to sell the box too. He said sure .. would you give me $10.00 .. of course I said yes. It will need some restoration, but I am really liking this box. A question I have... what's the chance of having a key made. If anyone has experience with old keys, I would like to hear some opinions.    |
|
|
|
Moderator
 United States
187702 Posts |
Very nice!  I am not sure about the key. It looks like someone forced it open though, the tabs being ripped from the lid. |
|
Bedrock of the Community
Canada
10743 Posts |
Wow.! nice box, try a locksmith in your area, he may be able to help you and, also he may even have a key that works it..  |
|
Bedrock of the Community
 United States
11951 Posts |
Quote:
I am not sure about the key. It looks like someone forced it open though, the tabs being ripped from the lid. Yes ... the latches were ripped from the lid. I know I can get those repaired .. maybe even better. ------------------------------------------ I plan to ask locals who the better locksmiths are. ------------------------- Also think I will see if I can take the handle off the top and put one on each side |
|
Bedrock of the Community
United States
10284 Posts |
I don't think I would mess too much with restoring that box in a big hurry. I know a little about antiques and sometimes, just like coins, it is better not to clean them up. Sure you can gently clean it but don't take that aged look away just yet. First find out what it is, I don't know myself but it could be good. Take it to antique stores and see if they have a dealer with loose keys. They'll want to buy your box but I wouldn't sell it! I have some around here. Maybe the key to a roll top desk or China closet will fit. Probably not all that complicated. Is there a post in the middle of the key hole for a key with a hole in the end?  |
|
Bedrock of the Community
United States
10284 Posts |
Oh ... I see it needs a key like I show. It's pretty easy to find one I bet. You could fix those latches too to almost appear to have never even been ripped off the lid if you do it right.
|
|
Bedrock of the Community
United States
11951 Posts |
I am thinking the key would look something like the one you posted nickelguy.
I just watched a guy make one on YouTube .. but checking around for a old one
sounds like a good idea
Edited by GR58
03/23/2017 5:47 pm
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
509 Posts |
Looks great!! Will look even better filled with gold....  |
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
1963 Posts |
|
|
Bedrock of the Community
United States
11951 Posts |
It would be nice to date the box and start filling it with coins of that era.
------------------------------
I got the lock out so it should not be to hard for the right locksmith to get/make
a workable key.
Have the latches lose ... going to check with a jeweler I know to see if he can
use some brass to rivet them back in place.
|
|
Rest in Peace
United States
7075 Posts |
|
|
Bedrock of the Community
 United States
12815 Posts |
Very cool! Looks like it might be a really good fit for graded currency.  |
|
Bedrock of the Community
United States
10284 Posts |
I think you might have a "Document Box" in the original blue and red paint.
Edited by TNG
03/23/2017 9:22 pm
|
|
Bedrock of the Community
United States
11951 Posts |
I have been looking at a lot of different boxes, but have not found any
that are exactly like this one.
The closest I have seen was a similar size box with same lock set up.
That one said it was a German box from the 1800's.
I am trying to figure out a era. There is nothing engraved into the box, that
I can see.
Mostly it has rivets holding it together. But there are seven that are threaded
with nuts. Not sure if they are hand threaded or machine threaded bolts.
Edited by GR58
03/23/2017 9:58 pm
|
|
Bedrock of the Community
United States
10284 Posts |
The six sided nuts under the lid are throwing me a curve. If they are original to the lid handle, I would think this might be 1910-1930
|
|
Pillar of the Community
Canada
3049 Posts |
That lock mech doesn't look too complicated and I'm sure most locksmiths that can make a key for a lock can do that work..
If you're going to get it restored and fix the latches you may want to replace that lock mech with one that works from the same period
(as soon as I read this title I figured this thread was from you GR58!) That's a very nice treasure chest in my opinion!
|
| |
Replies: 24 / Views: 3,840 |
Posted 03/23/2017 4:15 pm
