Derby Desk Tambour Latch

I recently bought an old Derby roll top desk. I have rebuilt the drawer lock mechanisms, so they lock when the tambour is closed. The tambour's lock and key are still functional too. However, there are only two empty screw holes where the lock would secure itself. Does anyone have photos of the pockets on either side where the pins would lock in to? A vendor would be great too, but I can manufacturer it if I need to.

My photos are too large to load.

 

Hello Craig, and welcome!

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Welcome here, Craig...You're in good company!

 

Pics are attached now

 

It's always helpful when posting images if you can include a FULL one of the item!!
As others might say "help us to help you"!!!

 

Another pic

 

It isn’t clear from your pics how much of the lock mechanism you have, and how much is missing. This type of lock is a mechanical nightmare, so is seldom found fully intact and working on a 100 year old piece like this. Are you sure you need to restore it? Do you foresee the need to actually lock it?

This type of lock is sometimes called a rod lock, because of the two long rods that have to be moved when the key is rotated. If you have the long rods in place and are missing only the stops on either end then it will be much easier to replace.

If you are missing the rods as well as the guides and stops, it will require a lot more custom fitting. You could start with something like the rod lock at eBay 224637539470 or similar.

 

That looks about right. It is hard to photograph without taking everything apart.

I do not have to lock it, so the repair will be based on how difficult it is.

The rod lock and bars are all intact and functional. The springs on the ends of the rods are good too. It looks like I just need the hardware that screws into the side of the desk to catch the rods.

 

When my husband gets home I'll ask him. He's worked on a few of these.

 

If you have all the parts in working condition except for the stops, then it is easy to fit a compatible piece of wood or metal to act as a stop. I would use a piece of hardwood first to check the dimensions.

Measure the difference in distance of bar length between the lock in lock and unlock. Hold a ruler next to the end of one bar while you turn the key back and forth, that is the allowed depth of stop. You already know the location and height of stop from the screw holes. Cut your scrap wood, drill the two holes, and test it out. Adjust as needed with a file until it works. Then decide if you’re happy or want to spend more time on it duplicating in another material, scrap brass and steel are easy to find.

It looks like the originals were brass, you can blow up pics here, esp. 1, 3 and 4 to see shape of original stop, but there is no reason you need to duplicate that: https://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/s...ary-bankers-desk/id-f_40128912/#zoomModalOpen