Did anyone see that Pawn Star show where someone brought in a wood “strongbox”, circa 1800 something and which was about 30” wide, about 20” deep and about 18” high, with a 3” high hinged lid and a keyhole in the front. It looked like a small square “steamer trunk” but with metal strapping and medallions bolted all around, over and under it to make it safe and secure. The owner had the key for it but he said he couldn’t get the key to work so no one knew what was inside it.
So, the Pawn Star host called in his “expert” on such items and the first thing he did was look it all over and then affirm, “Yes”, it was indeed an original “strongbox” and in excellent condition. The next thing he did was turn the “strongbox” around to the back or hinged side, got hold of one of those metal medallions on the lid edge, twisted it sideways to expose another keyhole, inserted the key and with a good bit of pressure, turned it and then lifted the lid open.
The locking mechanism was on the underneath or bottom of the lid and consisted of levers that moved three (3) dowel pins back n’ forth (1 on the front and 1 on either side) into and out of three (3) matching holes in the front and sides of the box.
Anyway, that should give you an idea as to how those above referenced door “keys” may have worked.
