I think we met at the auction, I found the trigger that opened one of those boxes when someone was looking at them ??
Anyway, check out the FAQ in the menu at the top of the page, that should answer some of your technical questions about the board.
As for cleaing the box - that ‘ dirt ’ is what expensive antique dealers call patina !!! I woud leave well alone as the value would be reduced with such pieces, a more modern patent lock is a different matter of course.
Paul
