Antique & Traditional Key Cutting

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 lock mechanism, so the condition of the lock should also be considered.

When Might You Need a Replacement Antique Key?

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 availability of suitable blanks and the condition of internal components can affect what is possible.

Antique Key Cutting and Replacement Services

Our antique key-cutting service operates by pre-arranged collection and delivery. Please contact B&B Locksmiths before making arrangements so we can discuss your particular key, lock or lockable item and confirm whether we can assist.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make an antique key if the original is missing?

In some cases, a replacement key can be made to suit the lock itself without an existing key. This depends on the type and condition of the lock, and physical inspection may be required.

Do you offer walk-in antique key cutting?

No. Our key-cutting service operates by pre-arranged collection and delivery. Please contact us first so we can confirm whether we can assist and discuss suitable arrangements.

Can you make replacement keys for antique furniture?

In some cases, yes. We can assess suitable locks fitted to antique cabinets, desks, cupboards, boxes and other furniture to determine whether a replacement key can be made. This depends on the lock's design, condition and the availability of suitable key blanks.

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.

Call 07831 451352 or contact us via WhatsApp to discuss your requirements.