Warbird Information Exchange

Hello. I am the proud owner of a WWII footlocker. A couple of years ago I lost the key and the footlocker is locked. Any ideas about how to get a replacement key? I dropped it off at a local locksmith a few years back and they were unable to make a new key. Should I try a different locksmith or is there a better route?
TIA

Could you possibly post a picture of the lock? I have a good friend who is a locksmith, and he might be able to give you some advice.

_________________
P-51, The Cadillac of the Sky!

I will take a picture tonight.
Thanks again

Eagle Lock Company- Terryville Conn

My buddy (the locksmith) said it is a standard trunk lock. He said the key would have to be hand filed. He suggests you call around to a few locksmiths and see if one would take on the project, unless you wanted to take a road trip to central Wisconsin.

_________________
P-51, The Cadillac of the Sky!

Thanks Bear! I will give it a shot.

Bear, I also have a lock with no key. Did you have any luck with making your own key?

I have not been able to find a locksmith that actually has a storefront. The ones in my area are all mobile and work out of a van...

just cruising through here and took a look at your problem. Thankfully, I haven't had your issue but in anticipation that my good luck would inevitably run out I took a look on line to see what's available. This guy looks like he might have what you're looking for: http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/221265517991?lpid=82
drop the guy a note with the size/type lock with some good, detailed photos and see if he might have your size. Good luck and let us know how you do.

I've opened a few of these in the past.
Bend a piece of flat steel stock (approx 1/8 by .032) into an Z, with the first leg approximately 1/8in longer than the distance from the center pin to the edge of the keyhole, the second bend long enough to keep your knuckle from scraping the latch, and the third bend long enough to be a handle
The key actually moves the latching mechanism, rather than just locking it, so you aren't 'picking' the lock as much as making a new handle.
With a little luck and patience, you should be able to turn the latching disk, while missing any wards. Use the center pin as a fulcrum to turn the disk. A little dash of penetrating oil before starting is a help as well.

_________________
Lest Hero-worship raise it's head and cloud our vision, remember that World War II was fought and won by the same sort of twenty-something punks we wouldn't let our daughters date.

I have what looks to be the exact same chest, but it never had a lock! It has markings as a military medical chest.

I do not know if you have already given up or still have this problem while googling trunk parts this listing came up. The key for this lock is a hollow barrel type key. I could not read the number on the lock it starts with the OB then three numbers the first number should be a one then two more numbers this is the key code. the keys for this lock can be found on ebay. They also can be found at Brettun's village trunk shop website in Maine and Island trunk shop web site in Boston.

I hope this helps sorry for it being so late after the posting did not see this untill today

I've opened a couple of these previously.

Twist a bit of level steel stock (approx 1/8 by .032) into a Z, with the primary leg around 1/8in longer than the separation from the inside stick to the edge of the keyhole, the second twist sufficiently long to shield your knuckle from scratching the lock, and the third twist sufficiently long to be a handle

The key really moves the hooking instrument, instead of simply bolting it, so you aren't 'picking' the lock as much as making another handle.

With a little karma and persistence, you ought to have the capacity to turn the locking plate, while missing any wards. Utilize the inside stick as a support to turn the plate. A little dash of infiltrating oil before beginning is an assistance also.