Keys for old Samsonite/Schwader luggage locks...

rick1959

Hello,

I’m trying to find out if there is a feasible way to get a key made for an old (1940’s tp ’50’s) Samsonite/Schwader luggage lock.

Have a few luggage pieces missing the key. Or is there another way, short of lock picking, to make the lock workable?

Thanks for your time!

Pschiffe

rick1959 wrote
Hello,
I’m trying to find out if there is a feasible way to get a key made for an old (1940’s tp ’50’s) Samsonite/Schwader luggage lock.
Have a few luggage pieces missing the key. Or is there another way, short of lock picking, to make the lock workable?
Thanks for your time!

An image of the lock would be helpful, any code number found on the lock? There are many pre-cut luggage keys available and although many are now discontinued an olde time locksmith can likely be of assistance. Also, if you have a code as are often found on trunk locks, a key could be made from that number.

Pete Schifferli

[unknown]

rick1959

Pschiffe wrote
An image of the lock would be helpful, any code number found on the lock? There are many pre-cut luggage keys available and although many are now discontinued an olde time locksmith can likely be of assistance. Also, if you have a code as are often found on trunk locks, a key could be made from that number.

Pete Schifferli

Thank You Pete!

Here are a few pictures of thr lock, key and works.

Sadly I’ve found no number on the lock after looking everywhere.

Samsonite sent me a few keys to try, but no success.

If there were a way to create a master key…I suppose that’s not likely.

And I’ve yet to find llocksmith in south Florida able to help.

In sincere appreciation, Rick :-)

[unknown]

rick1959

The key pictured was one of the keys from Samsonite.

It was one of two keys they gave me to try. This one fit the lock but didn’t open or close mechanism. So it’s the right shape, just the wrong cut.

Thanks for your time…. :-)

Timothy

There not lot of locksmith carry the key for any luggage. They don’t have people coming in lot to have them cut key. I do know that some locksmith any set of tryout key for it but that would be hard to find one that does. Just have to find lock shop that caryy luggage key only if i find something that may help…..Tim

rick1959

Timothy wrote
There not lot of locksmith carry the key for any luggage. They don’t have people coming in lot to have them cut key. I do know that some locksmith any set of tryout key for it but that would be hard to find one that does. Just have to find lock shop that caryy luggage key only if i find something that may help…..Tim

Thank You Tim! :-)

[unknown]

Timothy

I check everything about the Luggage key as so far like i said not a lot of locksmith carry luggage key. Best way to go just have to look into web-site that said locksmith carry or cut luggage key. Or can see if get a replacement lock for it. Also can look up where they sell luggage shop as some may carry the key for it. The last of not so sure that these TSA key not sure if it would work or not. Good luck just keep looking….Tim…

rick1959

Timothy wrote
I check everything about the Luggage key as so far like i said not a lot of locksmith carry luggage key. Best way to go just have to look into web-site that said locksmith carry or cut luggage key. Or can see if get a replacement lock for it. Also can look up where they sell luggage shop as some may carry the key for it. The last of not so sure that these TSA key not sure if it would work or not. Good luck just keep looking….Tim…

Thank You Tim!

I’ll likely keep it as is, unless I run across a key that works or a locksmith who can help. Bought the case knowing I would likely not find a key for it. I did find I can “pick” the lock open and closed. So the lock works, just not operable “on the go”. Not sure I’d want someone to see me picking the lock in public. 🙁wasntme):

Thanks much for your help!! Best, Rick :-)
:-)

[unknown]

Pschiffe

Timothy wrote
I check everything about the Luggage key as so far like i said not a lot of locksmith carry luggage key. Best way to go just have to look into web-site that said locksmith carry or cut luggage key. Or can see if get a replacement lock for it. Also can look up where they sell luggage shop as some may carry the key for it. The last of not so sure that these TSA key not sure if it would work or not. Good luck just keep looking….Tim…

Timothy, point of information: integrated TSA (Travel Sentry Approved) luggage locks were not introduced until 2004. The poster stated his Samsonite locks date to ca. 1940!

Pete Schifferli

[unknown]

nathanbonstein

Not many left,but older hardware stores and auto parts stores use to have displays with precut luggage keys of assorted types
older locksmiths had displays to,
you might wiggle your key and see where it marks and file it just a tad
if the cuts are already to deep this will not work

nathanbonstein

i have a #94 and a #69 pm me i will send these 2 to you
there is others but too many to go thru

Timothy

This only information can look it up and the have luggage key for Samsonite. Look into safeandlockstore.com. You will see Keys and Accessuries go to Luggage. Should look for the Samonite key. Otherwise can call them or email explain what you looking for it would be best to send them a picture of your lock. Like i said only information…..Tim…..

rick1959

nathanbonstein wrote
Not many left,but older hardware stores and auto parts stores use to have displays with precut luggage keys of assorted types
older locksmiths had displays to,
you might wiggle your key and see where it marks and file it just a tad
if the cuts are already to deep this will not work

Thanks for the tip.

When I get the case back out of storage, I’ll give it a try.

Where I am here in south Florida, most old time hardware stores have long since faded away. DIsappointing to an old guy like me who used shuffle through them when looking for occasional old oddity… :-(

Is there any way to identify a lock number that might correspond to a key? When I was first looking for a key, that was the advice I was given. But I couldn’t find a number anywhere.

I saw your October post about keys. Would there be any rational for me to order some keys from you that might work?

Thanks for your time :-)

[unknown]

rick1959

Timothy wrote
This only information can look it up and the have luggage key for Samsonite. Look into safeandlockstore.com. You will see Keys and Accessuries go to Luggage. Should look for the Samonite key. Otherwise can call them or email explain what you looking for it would be best to send them a picture of your lock. Like i said only information…..Tim…..

Thanks Tim, I’ll go check that out right now.
Best, Rick :-)

[unknown]

rick1959

Timothy wrote
This only information can look it up and the have luggage key for Samsonite. Look into safeandlockstore.com. You will see Keys and Accessuries go to Luggage. Should look for the Samonite key. Otherwise can call them or email explain what you looking for it would be best to send them a picture of your lock. Like i said only information…..Tim…..

Hi Tim,

Took a look and still am stuck since I have no lock number to get a key match.

Will try the tip mentioned, to see if it’s possible to determine how to file the key and get it to work.

I am inclined to simply pick the lock open and closed to lock it. It is mostly used to keep some moderate valuables safely ensconced.

But longer term, I’d like to see if there’s a practical way to make a piece of luggage lockable again, when the original key is missing…

Thanks for your time Tim! :-)

[unknown]