I found a fantastic flute case for a baroque traverso which looks like this:
Although I have a roll case, I’d rather have a hard case to carry it.
It has a central lock as shown, but with no key. I’ve tried picking it with every
thing possible to no avail.
Is there someway to work out what kind of key it needs without destroying the case, or maybe replace it without major surgery?
Thanks
I was in the same situation (well, sorta) and took it to a locksmith. Took a while (not a great locksmith!), but it worked. Check with your local hardware store and see who they recommend.
Pat
This is what I have for my R&R, that way you can keep it in the original case and encapsulate it in a nice cavallaro case, comes with a shoulder strap. http://shop.weinermusic.com/CAVALLARO-LOREE-OBOE-CASE-COVER-MODEL-20LOPS/productinfo/CCOL/#.UFbSOKOk_To
Yup, visit a locksmith or two with it. Depending on their skills and interest they will either simply try a whole load of likely keys (new or old) until they chance on one which works, or they’ll take the lock out of the case, open it and discover the correct key pattern and then fabricate one to fit, either from a suitable modern blank (if any) or from something roughly similar out of a junk bucket of old/antique iron keys. I’ve had this done successfully for 3 out of 4 cases I took to a local, more old-fashioned type locksmith quite recently. 
Many thanks - some great suggestions.
I really like the von Heune looking case:
The last locksmith looked at it and asked if there was jewellery inside. I opened and showed him three pieces of wood and said yes, pointing to the solitary silver key of the traverso.
He just sneered saying it wasn’t worth it 
Maybe I’ll go try elsewhere.
I hate tradesmen like that; that’s just rude. After all isn’t it your job as a customer to decide whether “it’s worth it”? As a blacksmith I’ve had plenty of people want “impractical” things made. But I give them a price nonetheless, then they can decide if it’s worth it.
Personally, I love the character of that box; I’d definitely keep looking. Maybe a locksmith who’s retired, or a hobbyist?
Hi Gobae,
It’s okay - that’s the thing that’s great about having the modern internet. I can find out what alternatives there are, when local solutions don’t exist.
The problem I think, is more about the rapid decay of the era of the craftsman. Everything is becoming computer algorithm based for manufacture, so small traditional locksmith techniques are slowly being lost rather than passed down. I guess it just seemed pointless to the locksmith to try and keep something vintage as a part of everyday, instead of disposing of it and getting a new one with a lock.
If all else fails, I’ll take up Jon’s suggestion. The case he suggested just seems to have perfect dimensions too. Quite incredible - maybe traversos/simple 3 piece flutes just ended up in boxes with similar sizes.
Rubber bands!
Oh my goodness.
Just thought I’d share this. You’re not going to believe this (or maybe I’m still trying to get over it).
I found an original working key for my flute case!
Here’s how I did it (for anyone who hasn’t settled on the above options).
It was worse than a needle in a haystack - about 5 lots of the above, and I eventually found the right keys for 2 Georgian/Edwardian flute cases. I tried 4 locksmiths: all of which told me I needed a victorian key, and none of these are cut by modern machinery.
Now to get that Cavallaro case to go with it for the ultimate antique vintage flute case. Rubber bands are good …but mine all break or crumble within a few months (risk of spilling everything).
Nicely done! Good job persevering.
Yes. The key is perseverance.
Rubber bands are good …but mine all break or crumble within a few months (risk of spilling everything)
In the computer industry (and maybe elsewhere) we often use what are, in effect, double-sided velcro straps, (hooks on one side, loops on the other side) as adjustable re-useable cable straps. Usually about 6-9 inches long, they can be adapted for all sorts of uses, you can even “stick” two together to make a longer strap if needed