The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

George and Jerry are right. Even if you could cut it open, you would still have to find a replacement lock. Maybe you could give Geraldo Rivera a heads up to film whatever you discover inside...

What was the final outcome of all this?

Retrograde wrote:What was the final outcome of all this?

I spoke with a locksmith today (old school independent type). I am sending him pictures now.

The locksmith didn't seem real confident he would be able to open. Said he would probably just try to make a new key for me. I'm still stuck here....

Maybe the moving parts are so worn that the key's "teeth" aren't long enough to operate the lock. I bought a Victrola with the cabinet full of albums, locked, and no key. I had a similar but longer key, and cut it to size using this photo. It's hard to say for sure, but it does seem that the shorter tooth is longer than your example.

Edisone wrote:Maybe the moving parts are so worn that the key's "teeth" aren't long enough to operate the lock. I bought a Victrola with the cabinet full of albums, locked, and no key. I had a similar but longer key, and cut it to size using this photo. It's hard to say for sure, but it does seem that the shorter tooth is longer than your example.

I gave up on this project for a while now but it's starting to bug me again. I compared both photos together and the teeth look pretty darn close as far as relative to each other goes.

Someone PM'd me to suggest lying it on it's back and trying it that way. I have a faint memory of maybe trying that - surely later on a weekend night I may try it (maybe "again").

I had a hard time finding that key, others have suggested using another key - is there a way I could get a batch of them somewhere?

Any other additional input is welcomed.

Thanks!

As for laying it on its back, be mindful of the taper tube (arm)! Assume that it is not restrained and will swing around when the cabinet is upset, possibly causing damage.

Where are you located? Perhaps one of the members can assist you. I'd be willing to give it a look if you're near me.

Could we get a photo of your wife sitting on top of the cabinet lid as you attempt to unlock it??

I just had a similar experience with a lock on my Symphonion. Luckily, the lid was not locked shut, but the correct key would not work and engage the "prongs" that lock the lid... it would only raise the center of the lock then stop. I took it out and gave it to a friend who is a clock guy to look at it. What he found, after disassembling the lock, was that there was a weak spring inside and the prongs were rusted in place. A good cleaning and some oil corrected the problem.

I think you might be able to open the lid by cutting the lock with a vibrating power tool and a thin blade that cuts metal. You can always find another lock...

I believe you can buy W D 40 with a long tube to fit into the key hole. spray a very short burst and work the key back and forth many times in hopes that it will free the lock. If this does not work it did not cost much and may have eliminated the problem. I had this problem with my grandfather clock used this approach and got results.
Best to all,
Allen