how should i open a old steamer trunk without damaging it?

Question

Its a yale lock

Answer 1

Locks on those are generaly fairly simple, so picking the lock should be fairly easy. Anone way to do it is to attempt to open it with another key from another trunk or whatever that uses a similar lock or key shape. Failing that, what I did on mine was simply to (carefully) drill off the rivets on one side of the lock. That type of rivets is very common and so replacements should be easy enough to find in any good hardware store...
I hope this helps,
f.

Answer 2

I've a steamer trunk sitting right in my room. We opened it up with no problem. If you do have difficulty opening it up, by all means, call for a locksmith. There may be labels and stickers pasted all over the heavy trunk, if it was taken around the world a lot. Just make sure it's preserved as much as you can help it and don't let anyone peel them off.

Answer 3

call a locksmith.