Although this has been top of the board for ages it’s only now curiosities made me have a look- probably sorted by now anyway, but like Dean said it might well be an interesting one to pick. You might also be right on the internals Dean, but looking at the pictures I’d be surprised if it has more than a couple of levers.
It looks well made, but most still relied on combinations of small size, double ‘bit’ or ‘flag’ key, couple of levers and small wards for security. the escutcheon might give the impression of a miniature Kromer Novum but my guess is there’s not going to be much going on inside.
I used to see beautiful wooden roller front desks years ago because no one else would pick them- they were a bit of an exception in that they did have as many as 10 or 12 very thin levers- difficult to quickly describe their workings- 5 or 6 levers either side of the key, each of which also locked the top on a ‘hook’ or ‘claw’ principle. The hooks projected from the salvage of the lock in 2 rows opposing each other. They could be quite difficult and needed a different approach to picking, but I can’t see this chest using anything like that principle, I’d be very surprised if there’s more than a couple of levers and perhaps a small ward at the back.
like Al said it would have helped to have an idea of size, and also agree you’re better off with a professional who isn’t afraid of a bit of intricate fiddling. i think it’s more than likely a lot more basic than many might think, but it does look a very nice chest so you want someone who knows what their doing and isn’t afraid of it
