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About robert klein
Expertise
In regards to antique, vintage and collectible furniture I can help with wood identification, styles, age, and periods. As with all things, looking at pictures is not as good as actually handling the object. I am a qualified to answer questions about repair, restoration, refinishing, finishes, coatings, stains, historical coatings and materials. SEND PICTURES WITH YOUR QUESTIONS OR THE QUESTION WILL LIKELY BE REJECTED.

Experience
I have been in the antiques furniture and restoration business for 40 years and have continued my education in the trade by attending workshops and seminars through the Smithsonian, MESDA, and other organizations.

Organizations
Professional Refinishers Groop, Int. AIC

Education/Credentials
BA Florida State University 1970 BA University of West Florida 1971

Past/Present Clients
This is a list of people that i know personally across the country that are competent, knowledgeable and skilled refinishers, restorers and conservators. AL Elberta Jim Cole Antique Works; AZ Phoenix Hal Resnikoff The Village Woodsmith; CA Fort Bragg Joe Amaral Wood Finish Services; CA San Clemente Michele Rosen Michele Rosen Woodfinishing & Conservation; CT Bridgeport Jim Young Old Gold Furniture Restoration; GA Atlanta Brian Hillman Hillman's Restoration; GA Bogart Fred McLean McLean's Refinishing; GA Atlanta Alan Noel A. Noel Furniture Refinishing; GA Atlanta Brian Webster Brian Webster; KS Topeka Dave Macfee Macfee Refinishing; KS Topeka Ben Myre Macfee Refinishing; MA West Newbury Bruce Hamilton Bruce Hamilton Antique Restoration; MA Dedham Robert Judd Judd Refinishing; MD Monrovia Kevin Hancock Hancock Piano Restorations; MI Armada Al Venditelli Armada Furniture Services LLC; MN Bemidji Don MacKinnon MacKinnon Woodworks; NC Winston Salem Martin O'Brien Martin O'Brien Cabinetmaker; NY Holbrook Dean Camenares East End Wood Strippers; NY Brooklyn Emily MacDonald Korth Emily MacDonald-Korth; NY Latham Mike Mascelli Fine Upholstery; OR The Dalles Frank Laroque LaRoque's Wood Shop; SC Charleston Paul Garbarini Heirloom Finishes; TN Oak Ridge David Reeves Classic Furniture Restorations; TX Aledo Joe Hornor Little Jack Horner's Furniture Restoration; TX Houston Fred Woodall Fred Woodall Repair Service; VA Roanoke Dick Patch Astonish Antique Restoration; WI Milwaukee Bill Balsiger Artisan Restorations;

You are here: Experts > Hobbies > Antiques: UK > Collectibles-General (Antiques) > Corbin Lock for roll top desk

Collectibles-General (Antiques) - Corbin Lock for roll top desk

Expert: robert klein - 11/6/2009

Question
Hi, We have an American roll top Derby desk that has been in my wife's family for 150 years. It is in perfect condition except for the striker plate that forms part of the Corbin lock on the roll top. The plate actually sits in a cut out on the desk (see pics), the cutout measure 60mmx20mm. I have been trying to acquire one in Australia (where we live) and the USA for some years but keep coming to dead ends. Are you able to help with someone who may be able to supply this or would I need to have it manufactured? Thanks in anticipation.

Answer
Hi,

Derby was one of a very few high quality manufacturers of desks like yours, Cutler being another fine one. They started in 1870. The piece you are missing in the lock set is called the trap door. It is a rectangular brass piece with a spring loaded trap door in the center to receive the lock prongs so the desk locked when the roll was closed. these aer two places that have this type of hardware although i am not sure if the measurements are good for you. i would get it anyway and then if you had to make something you would have a pattern.

http://www.vintagehardware.com/index.php?cmd=product&prodid=26977

http://www.kennedyhardware.com/brass-roll-top-desk-lock-w-skeleton-key.html

very nice desk, a treasure!!

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