Getting a Key for a Murphy Cedar Chest?

Pghgirl40
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May 23, 20181 found this helpful

My three cents worth...suggestions...

There are places online that specialize in antique keys for all sorts of chests, cabinets, etc. Google the name of the chest + keys and you will find a bunch of options. If one is local to you...that is the best choice.

Also if you have a reputable antique dealer you know/trust...she/he may have sources as I know they run into this situation all the time.

My late father used to make his own keys for old banks and such...if you are at all handy, there are YouTube videos on how to make your own keys. You can find them by Googling How to make a key blank for an antique / vintage lock

Enjoy the piece! It is very cool that you will donate it someday to help the furry kids of the world! That is awesome!!!

jennuinelycrafty

May 24, 20180 found this helpful

This is such helpful information I wouldn't have ever thought of making a my own from a blank! I googled how to get it open in the first place and managed to do it within 5 minutes with a file and no damage! Thank you so much for the wonderful information. I truly appreciate it and if I can get a key it should definitely help my plan for the future of this piece and the fur-babies of the world!

 

Pghgirl40
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May 27, 20180 found this helpful

You are welcome! Your post brought back memories of my late father was so good at making keys! He would buy old locked banks at the flea for a quarter, make a key, and then sell them for the market value. Now I wish he had liked trunks!

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I always wanted a sweet hope chest but could never afford one. This was long before Google and YouTube!! If he were still here I bet we could have made him a YouTube sensation! Be blessed!!!

 

Judy
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May 22, 20180 found this helpful

You might be able to find one by putting an alert on ebay, but I think you will be better off getting a new lock and key made by a locksmith.

cybergrannie
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May 22, 20181 found this helpful

It seems you are looking for a key but would also like to know more about your "new" Murphy cedar chest.

• You will probably have to have a key made by a locksmith and that in itself may be difficult. If you want the same style key you will have to find a locksmith that carries this kind of mold and that may not be easy to find.
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• You could Google locksmith with your zip code and make some calls to see if anyone can help you.
• You may have to go with a modern lock and key but removing the original lock is not an easy job (maybe for a locksmith it is?) because you do not want to damage the wood.
• There are usually mobile locksmiths that could go to your house if you decided you wanted to go this route.
• Your cedar chest looks like it is in really good condition and is not one of the more common models but cedar chests values run up and down the scale and the Murphy cedar chests are not usually at the top as they were produced for the "average" family when "hope" chests were really popular and when people needed a place to store their winter blankets/quilts where they would be safe from "bugs".
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• Cedar chests usually sell on a local market better than on an auction site. i do not know where you acquired your chest but it is nice that are going to use it.
• Murphy cedar chests were made from 1946-2004 and over a million pieces were produced and, sadly, there is very little information available that tells what all their numbers stand for (mostly for model/style) and model year produced is not available either. Occasionally someone will have a receipt where their parents or grandparents bought a chest but that is very rare.
• Your style is more rare because it also has a drawer as well as a cushion top.
• The cushion top was presented as a "bench" type to place at the foot of the bed.
• Enjoy your lovely cedar chest and know that it may not be considered the "Cadillac" of cedar chests (actually Lane usually falls in that category) but it is one of the best ever made and with care will be around for many generations to come.

jennuinelycrafty

May 22, 20180 found this helpful

Thank you so much! I actually acquired it on a donation stop to the salvation army. They sold it to me for $10 as they were no longer able to open it and wanted the space in their store. I have always wanted a hope chest and other than it being locked... it was in amazing condition.

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I plan on reupholstering the cushion and using it in my home. My husband and I have no children but love our fur babies and upon our demise will donate it to a local rescue to use to raise funds. I appreciate the information very much!

 

cybergrannie
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May 23, 20180 found this helpful

I am 84 years old and I have 2 cedar chests and they only "keep" linens and quilts that I have collected over the years. I have instructed my family to keep what they want and donate to our local Hospice as I have volunteered with them and I can see the good they do for families in despair.

How great that you found something so nice for only a few dollars and even something you would like to keep - a double winner.

I love fur babies also so I can relate to a donation for their care.
May you and your husband spend many happy years together before that "donation" happens.

 

jennuinelycrafty

May 26, 20180 found this helpful

Thank you for your information I appreciate it very much!