Hi Joshua,
 
First question is - is the case level? If it isn't, it should be for the clock to work properly. Plus, if it is level, the door may not open on its own.
 
I agree that if you have no key, having a new key is the best option. I would contact a clock maker, seller or repairer and see if they ahve any spare keys. Like keys to desks of a certain period, they are often interchangeable... not complicated. The likelihood that there is a key out there that would fit your door is pretty good. I realize it is time, but that is better than "rigging" something that may damage the case in the process.
There is also a company called Time Savers in Arizona that is a big spare parts company for all sorts of clocks. I found a bar for a swinger clock there and it was only a few dollars for the part. Their sales staff may be able to assist you.
www.timesavers.com
 
Hope this helps!
 
Ware Petznick
University of Glasgow


--- On Wed, 11/5/08, Patti Davis-Perkins <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
From: Patti Davis-Perkins <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: [MUSEUM-L] Pesky Tall-Case Clock Problem
To: [log in to unmask]
Date: Wednesday, November 5, 2008, 8:50 AM

What about installing a magnetic system?  Could it possibly be adhered
to the wood with water soluable clue?

Patti Davis-Perkins

-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of Joshua K. Blay HSBC
Sent: Wednesday, November 05, 2008 8:38 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [MUSEUM-L] Pesky Tall-Case Clock Problem

The doors on some of our tall-case clocks like to open up over time; the

keys have long been displaced. 

Might someone here have a suggestion to encourage them to stay shut but 
still be able to be opened on a weekly basis?

-- 

Joshua K. Blay
Associate Director/Museum Curator
The Historical Society of Berks County Museum & Library

940 Centre Avenue

Reading, PA
(610) 375-4375

=========================================================
Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ .
You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one
line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message
should read "help" (without the quotes).

If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to
[log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff
Museum-L" (without the quotes).

========================================================= Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).

If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).