I had a similar situation with a desk...
I knew an "old guy" locksmith who had a huge supply of old keys....he came with the part of his supply that he suspected would work and of course one did. So he went back to the shop and made me one...all total cost $25...but that was about 20 years ago.
and the key he made fit several other pieces of furniture.
I would go to a junk shop or 2 and find as many of those small skeleton type of keys as I could and give them a try....gently you don't want to get the key stuck!
Or do you know anyone with a similar piece of furniture who has a key...?
Linda C

Maybe you will lucky on an auction lot of keys.

Here is a link that might be useful: Lots of keys on Ebay.

Most of those locks are simple affairs, once you see the detail. Try to get a look at the moveable plate inside. Use a magnifier and a flashlight or small lamp to get a peek. Sometimes the plate can be rotated with a small screwdriver.

If you have a pawn shop or a shop selling junk cabinet locks, buy a couple locks that appear similar to your lock and take those apart. An inexpensive, new lock can be instructional.

Thank you all for your help. I've ordered a ring of various skeleton keys online. Wish me luck!

Barb

Yeah!!!!
Now buy one of those decorative tassels and tie it on the key so you will never lose it!

Here is a link that might be useful: Tassels

Lindac:

Thanks so much for the link. DH and I were just talking last night how we need one of those "tassel thingys".

Barb