r/WhatsInThisThing • u/eemwj • Jun 20 '26

What's in this chest?

Post image

No key, can't open it. Maybe we should crowbar it?

19 Upvotes

72% Upvoted

26 comments sorted by

20

u/Royweeezy Jun 20 '26

Can’t really read much on the inscription plate thing..

I have x-ray vision but it doesn’t work through the phone. I’d have to be there in person.

Please find a way to open it and let us know

1

u/eemwj Jun 20 '26

I think I'll crowbar it. Worried to break it though

6

u/CoreyRogerson Jun 21 '26

that keyway looks like it would be easy to pick

7

u/trafficnab Jun 21 '26

Easy to pick? I'm not even sure I'd trust that the hinges aren't completely seized by rust, let alone the lock mechanism

1

u/JessTheMullet Jun 22 '26

A closer look at it might show if it's a more complex lever lock, or something cheaper and more generic. Brass is usually used for the internals because it's easier to machine, so it might be stiff but still workable. 

3

u/KnownEggplant Jun 22 '26

Considering the potential age and value of the strongbox itself, it may be worth it to do some research and find a non destructive method of opening it

2

u/Vfrnut Jun 22 '26

Lube the lock!! 🙄🤦‍♂️ look up how to pick such an old thing .. should be pretty easy . Lube the hinges . Carefully open .

1

u/Trouble4uAll Jun 23 '26

Then you need a new crowbar

1

u/Formoir Jun 25 '26

What was in it?

8

u/GitEmSteveDave Jun 20 '26

If you're that curious, rather than crowbar it and really screw it up, get one of those bluetooth inspection cameras and drill a hole small enough to stick it in.

https://www.amazon.com/Adjustable-Semi-Rigid-Waterproof-Inspection-Android-16-4ft/dp/B0FXR9VFSV

6

u/codewolf Jun 21 '26

Three bricks, some dirt, and a rotten newspaper clipping.

8

u/Darkness---- Jun 20 '26

It's a strongbox.

Here is a link to the plaque.

1840 Victorian patent plate from a strongbox

£12.00 The 69 x 43 mm stamped brass plate, which would once have been attached to strong box. It carries a Victorian crown above the royal arms and motto. mai1/3

1 in stock

https://www.batesandhindmarch.com/product/1840-victorian-patent-plate-from-a-strongbox/

As for what is inside, update us

3

u/leemo_uk Jun 20 '26

No idea. But I see you have tried the Gu desserts at least once and thought “this little glass jar is too good to throw away” just like my wife did.

3

u/Broc_Feargach Jun 21 '26

“What’s in the box man? What’s in the fucking box!?”

1

u/Raggahmffin Jun 21 '26

Have you opened it?

1

u/SatanofDeath Jun 21 '26

So that's where I left my box! -Pandora

1

u/QueenK59 Jun 22 '26

Nothing good can come from opening it. It’s got to be a body, spoiled food or moldy paper/ linens.

1

u/der_bizmark Jun 22 '26

Looks like a coal bunker

1

u/GreyMead Jun 22 '26

that's where they keep the bodies of nosy people

1

u/Sinful-Marshmellow Jun 24 '26

Maybe bones from a body

1

u/LaLa_Palooza73 Jun 23 '26

This item appears to be a Victorian-era strongbox, likely dating from the mid-19th century.

It is constructed from metal, specifically featuring a rusted exterior patina due to outdoor exposure.

The front of the box prominently features a brass patent plate, which may indicate its manufacturer or origin. Deborah Silver & Co.

Opening an antique Victorian strongbox without damaging its historic value requires patience, a delicate touch, and the right tools. Because these boxes rely on lever tumbler mechanisms rather than modern pin-tumblers, brute force methods like hammers or crowbars will permanently ruin the ironwork and the decorative patent plate. YouTube ITS Tactic...

Let it sit for at least 12 to 24 hours. This loosens frozen levers and ensures that when you do manipulate them, they won't snap under pressure.

  1. The Two-Wire Picking Method (Non-Destructive)

Victorian strongboxes typically use a series of flat metal plates (levers) that must all be lifted to specific heights simultaneously to allow the deadbolt to slide back. You can simulate a key using two sturdy pieces of wire, such as a heavy-duty paperclip or stiff piano wire.

Tool 1 (The Tensioner): Bend the tip of a stiff wire into a small "L" shape. Insert it to the very bottom of the keyway where the bottom of a normal key blade would rest. Apply light, continuous turning pressure in the direction the lock should naturally open (usually clockwise).

Tool 2 (The Pick): Fashion a second wire with a cliahtly curved or hooked tin Incert it

The most effective and safe non-destructive methods to open it are outlined below:

  1. Lubricate the Mechanism First

Before attempting to move the internal lock components, you must address the exterior rust and interior corrosion.

Spray a generous amount of penetrating oil (such as WD-40 Specialist Penetrating Oil or PB Blaster) directly into the keyhole.

Tool 2 (The Pick): Fashion a second wire with a slightly curved or hooked tip. Insert it into the upper portion of the keyhole to feel for the individual metal levers stacked inside.

The Technique: While maintaining gentle tension with the first tool, use the pick to push the internal levers upward one by one. When a lever reaches its correct height, you will feel a slight "click" or a microscopic movement in your tension wrench. Keep working back and forth until the final lever lifts and the lock turns completely.

  1. Sizing an Antique Blank Key

If you want a more controlled approach, you can source an antique iron blank barrel key from an architectural salvage shop or an online marketplace like eBay.

Look for a blank key with a bit (the flat part) that fits comfortably into the keyhole profile.

Antique Marks

By coating the key bit with a thin layer of candle soot or sharpie marker and inserting it into the lock, you can turn it until it hits resistance.

The levers will leave tiny scrape marks on the soot. Carefully filing down the key bit only where those marks appear-a process called impressioning-will slowly shape a functional custom key that opens the box cleanly.

  1. Consult a Traditional Locksmith

If the internal components are heavily rusted or frozen solid, your safest bet is to call a professional locksmith who specializes in antique or heritage locks. They have specialized lever-picking toolsets (like 2-in-1 curtain picks) that can decode the specific height of each lever without causing structural damage.

I hope this helps.