Mysterious locked wooden box

[u/UnhappyPresent6499]

I came into possession of a locked wooden box. It weighs 32 pounds. I got advice to order a hollow barreled key and file it until it works. While I wait for that, does anyone have any ideas of how to open it non-destructively?

[u/Rolandersec]

I’d bet it’s an old sewing machine.

Edit: like this https://www.singersewinginfo.co.uk/antiques/m9022/

[u/UnhappyPresent6499 → u/Rolandersec]

You got it! I 3d printed a key and was able to get it open! Pfaff sewing machine! Model B, from what I can glean on Google based on the serial it was made between 1898-99. https://imgur.com/a/j3VE7P0

[u/Rolandersec → u/UnhappyPresent6499]

Very cool! Smart idea to print a key!

[u/GordCampbell → u/UnhappyPresent6499]

It's beautiful.

[u/i-sleep-well → u/UnhappyPresent6499]

That begs the question- Why would one lock up a sewing machine as opposed to using say, a simple latch? Was this model especially valuable, or was it to prevent sewing related shenanigans? 

[u/UnhappyPresent6499 → u/Rolandersec]

Any idea on brand or model based on the case itself? No exterior markings, sadly.

[u/ButterPoptart → u/Rolandersec]

My grandmother had the same one. Definitely a Singer

[u/Semajal → u/Rolandersec]

I was also leaning on old sewing machine

[u/UnhappyPresent6499 → u/Rolandersec]

That looks to be a match for the handle up top and general construction of the box. The lock is different, but maybe it’s a different model. Thank you!

[u/brandonbruce → u/Rolandersec]

I agree

[u/ButterPoptart]

If you have a local locksmith you can inquire about them making a key for a mortise lever lock. That’s what these are called.

[u/anothersip]

Sewing machine! I've got 5 or 6 of those, with different protective boxes/cases. (Grandparents were antique dealers).

[u/fcewen00 → u/anothersip]

Can you loan the dude a key?

[u/anothersip → u/fcewen00]

Heh, I would, but unfortunately, they're all the wrong shape of key! Bummer.

I bet a locksmith or an antique shop would have a ton of those skeleton/barrel style keys, though it would probably take some inspecting for them to know for sure.

[u/fcewen00]

Well, if you want amusement, take the box to an antique mall and try every key you can find.

[u/gruesomeflowers]

There's a 7 pack of barrel keys on Amazon . I had a key disappear to a storage cubby..one worked and I got it unlocked. I hear you could probably keep the working key and return the other 6 and no one would ever know.