Collectibles-General (Antiques)/Furniture key

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Expert: - 10/18/2010


Question

Maddox desk
I recently bought a small Maddox Table slant top desk (about 26" wide at the bottom drawer).  It is a small cherry desk with Queen Anne cabriole legs (not bracket legs).  It has 4 locking drawers as well as the locking top.   I believe the desk is probabbly about 30 to 40 years old.  The problem is that I don't have any keys to the full mortise locks.  Have done some internet searches and don't really know where to start on the type of replacement key that I could get.  

Do you have any suggestions for me on what type of key I should look for to work the lock?

Thanks so much for your help.

Answer
This is a hard question to answer easily. They best way to get a key would be to remove on of the locks, keeping in mind how long the key would need to be to reach the lock, and take it to an antiques market like the big 3 day outdoor shows and look for a key that will fit. It may not work the lock but you will have to file and grind on the key to get it to work. Some hardware suppliers sell "blank" key new that you can file and grind. Another possibility might be an locksmith that's been in business for a long time. They may have some blanks and could cut one to fit.You might be lucky enough to find an old key that works perfectly, I've had that happen.
 Rob

Anderson's Restorations-Rob Anderson

Expertise

We can answer questions about wicker repair and restoration, chair seating[caning-rush-splint-danish cord] furniture refinishing and repair, brass and copper polishing, veneering and veneer repair. WE WILL NOT GIVE APPRAISALS or answer "WHATS IT WORTH" questions. If you want a value, contact us for our current costs for this service.

Experience

Just entered our 40th year doing this work. We started in Fl and have been in NC for the last 15 years. We have a web site www.andersonsrestorations.com where we have alot of information about us and a blog at www.andersons-restorations.blogspot.com where we have many before and after photos of our work.We also are experienced in Fiat Jolly Seats and other automobile seating and work on Horse Drawn Carriage pieces.

Organizations
Past president of a historical museum

Publications
Antique Shoppe Newspaper, Yadkin Valley Living Magazine, Antique Lynks Newspaper

Education/Credentials
Seminole HS in Seminole FL class of 1965 and some college before entering service. US Army

Awards and Honors
Asked to demonstrate seat weaving at the NC Musuem of History, Paleigh, for 3 days. Demonstrated at the Mountain Heritage Festival, Sparta,NC.

Past/Present Clients
Restoring 35 pieces of wicker for the Governors Mansion, Raleigh,NC paid through private funding.

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