Welcome to our world exploring the Historical, Political and Technological aspects of Locks, Keys and Safes

Results 1 to 10 of 10
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2011
    Location
    USA
    Posts
    3
    Country: United States

    Default Looking for Trunk Key from 1800s

    Hello,

    I have a humpback trunk from the late 1800s. The latch on the trunk has a hasp that swings down over a metal loop. There is a small star at the top part of the hinge. This, I believe means that the locking mechanism was made by the Star Lock Work of Philadelphia. The trunk has a brass padlock attached to the lower part of the locking mechanism by a swivel. The brass lock swings upward and when open would enclose and lock on the loop. On the padlock is a stamped patent and date of mar, 1870. The padlock opens like a crab pincher claw and closes over the loop. The key would be a double bit skeleton with a solid tip - not a barrel type key. The padlock also has a capital letter K stamped on the side. I would say the key to match would also have the K and Star Lock Works stamped on it.

    Would you have any information on who or where I might find this missing key. The trunk is in fabulous shape and I've restored several others to pristine condition. Having an original key would be fantastic.

    Please let me know if you can help. I've attached a photo of the lock and locking hasp.

    PS. I've contacted most of the trunk parts suppliers found online and no one has this key. You may know collectors that have keys for sale.

    Thanks,

    Ken
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails DSCN7255.JPG  

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Location
    Tonawanda, NY, USA
    Posts
    900
    Country: United States

    Default

    Can't help with a key, but I have some trivia that might help date your trunk. The Star Lock Works was in business in Philadelphia, PA from 1836-1926.

    Pete Schifferli

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Location
    Seattle WA
    Posts
    1,327
    Country: United States

    Default

    There are a few locksmiths that maybe able to fit keys to your lock.
    Find a Locksmith
    This site is run by ALOA -
    The Associated Locksmiths of America Inc. I am a member but I live 3000 miles from you. I can state that a good deal of these members are very well trained. Find a CML if you can.

    The other option is to surf eBay or swap meets until you see a key that "Might" fit your lock. You may get lucky. A few others here have.

    I would love to see the chest after you are done.


  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2011
    Location
    USA
    Posts
    3
    Country: United States

    Default

    Thanks for the info. Still looking for this hard to find key.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Dec 2006
    Location
    Toronto
    Posts
    188
    Country: Canada

    Default

    What are the dimensions of the key hole?
    Is there a post for a barrel key, and if so what is the diameter?
    Is the shackle in the locked position?

    Brian .............................................

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Location
    California, USA
    Posts
    216
    Country: United States

    Default Trunk Key from 1880s

    You are correct in identifying the padlock as coming from the Star Lock Works. I too have one of these padlocks without a key. I wish I could tell you more about the locking mechanism, but I do have a picture of the keys. Two of the keys (top left and bottom right) show some shading that suggests a Scandinavian type key. If true, this would not surprise me since Star is known for its Scandinavian padlocks. (Incidentally, I previously posted information about the company's history.)

    I hope this helps at least a little.
    Scott
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Crab padlocks.jpg  

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Dec 2006
    Location
    Toronto
    Posts
    188
    Country: Canada

    Default

    Excellent work Scott. I see the trouble with trying to find blanks for these padlocks.
    Its almost an older European style shaft.
    Perhaps a hand cut blank from Metal Stock may be the shortest route to finding a key?
    The only other alternative is to find old keys and try each one in the hope of finding the correct cut?

    Brian ..................................................

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Posts
    1,485
    Country: United States

    Default

    A possible US patent for this lock is 100,402.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Dec 2006
    Location
    Toronto
    Posts
    188
    Country: Canada

    Default

    Thanks for the additional info wylk, it all helps to complete the puzzle.

    Brian .............................................

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Mar 2011
    Location
    USA
    Posts
    3
    Country: United States

    Default Found the Key!!!

    Thanks to all who've responded to my exhaustive search for a Star Lock Works original "K" key for my crab style trunk lock. A West Coast key collector had several in his collection and did not hesitate to sell me one. Thanks! It fit perfectly and opened up the lock with a 'pop'. I'd upload a photo of the finished trunk, however, this site will not permit me to perform the upload. Maybe it is down??? If you'd like to see it, post your email and I'll send as an attachment.

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •