Adding the Locks

Both original locks were either damaged or rusted and needed to be replaced. I ordered two reproduction locks from Shenandoah Antique trunk Restoration 

The old locks removed showed the hole that the lock device sat into. There was a problem yep another one! with the new locks while the base shape fitted the same as the original, the actual design of the lock was different. 

The original was an all round shape that simply layed flat out over the trunks edge and fitted into it's mate on the other side. However, the new lock has an extended rounded point with a hook over latch attached to it. This didn't allow the latch to lay flush with the other sides metal edge, it was hitting under instead. 

Therefor the trusty 3mm ply was used to build it up. I cut a template using a coping saw and filed the scolloped edge with the needle file, seen below.

Damaged / rusted old locks

Locks removed and base shape showing

Rounded extended point with hook over latch.
Template underneath

Because the plate sat out higher I didn't need the use of the hole. Plus it now didn't line up anyway. So one good this was that the template didn't need to have the circle cut out. The only other problem was that the original holes were now out of alignment and could not be used.

The edge of the lock now met up with the metal edge of the other side and the lock closed together.

I did not want to fill the holes but tried to fit Chicago screws instead. This, although it might not look correct did work, and thats how it will have to stay.

The lock had the wording - Ohio Travel Bag stamped into the metal on the front plate. Fair enough, this did not bother me at all, but seriously! 'Made in China' was stamped right under it. 

This bugged me so much, like Hello! This is the front display, surly the stamp 'Made in China' could have been placed underneath. After all the work someone would put into doing up a trunk of any design and was in the need of a lock, would  want to have 'Made in China' splashed across its front. 

I distressed the wording out of mine, then also tickled a light spray of black randomly over the whole lock.   

Two original holes out of alignment.
Ohio Travel Bag label ... 'Made in China' removed

Chopstick use again

Chicago screws tucked underneath

I have always had the original  'dear little key' and wanted to display it with it's trunk. Although the modern key looks 'SO modern' I felt by having them together the original will help keep 'the new' inline and help tone it down. I also added a wee tassel for decoration.

I like having the original hanging with it's trunk- where it so belongs!