Antique Keys

B&B Locksmiths provides antique key cutting and makes replacement keys for suitable antique, period and older locks throughout Oxford and Oxfordshire.

We work with a range of older locks and lockable items, including antique doors, furniture, cabinets, cupboards, desks, boxes, gates and certain older safes.

Antique and period keys can vary considerably in shape, size and design. Unlike many modern keys, producing a suitable replacement may require careful inspection, selection of an appropriate key blank, fitting, adjustment or hand-finishing so that the key operates the lock correctly.

Older locks can also be more delicate than modern mechanisms, particularly if they are worn, stiff, corroded, damaged or have not been used for many years. Using an unsuitable key or forcing a replacement that does not operate correctly could damage the key or mechanism, so the condition of the lock should also be considered.

When might a replacement antique key be needed?

A replacement or spare key may be required when:

The original key has been lost
A spare key is needed
A piece of furniture has been inherited without its key
A cabinet, desk, cupboard or box requires a working key
A period lock needs to be brought back into use
An existing key is worn, bent or damaged
An existing key no longer operates the lock smoothly or reliably

How Are Replacement Antique Keys Made?

Depending on the lock and the options available, a replacement key may be copied from an existing key, made to suit the lock itself or produced and hand-finished from a suitable key blank.

In some cases, an older lock may also need careful inspection, cleaning, adjustment or servicing before a replacement key can operate it correctly and reliably.

Because antique and period locks vary considerably, the work required cannot always be confirmed until the key, lock or lockable item has been physically inspected. The condition of the mechanism, the availability of a suitable key blank and any missing or damaged internal components can all affect what is possible.

Antique and Furniture Key Services

Please contact B&B Locksmiths before bringing in a key, lock or lockable item, or arranging work at a property, so that we can establish whether we may be able to assist.

Clear photographs of the key, lock, keyhole, item and any visible markings may help with an initial assessment, although physical inspection may still be required. Where an existing key is available, photographs of both sides and the end of the key may also be helpful.

If you need antique key cutting, a replacement key for a period or older lock, or help with a furniture, cabinet, cupboard or desk key in Oxford or Oxfordshire, contact B&B Locksmiths for careful workmanship, practical advice and reliable local service.