Roger Shoaf wrote:
"George E. Cawthon" wrote in message
news:37AGd.31198$w62.28644@bgtnsc05-

One question, I know the spindle just spins in a lot of old
mortise locks.



Two conditions can cause this. Usually it is a knob not set on the spindle
so it just spins or it can be a worn out hub.



Are you saying that the problem is just a

broken spring?


Usually, The OP said his latch was not coming out of the hole.

I guess I could look as I have an old one

laying under my workbench that I could take apart and look
at, but asking you is easier. :-). And if something else is
broken, the op could probably look around and find a similar
old used lock, but you would know more about that.


Some times the best place to look is around your own house. Often there is
a closet door that uses the same lock but stands open all the time.


Oops. missed where he said the latch wasn't coming out.

Not around my house, I haven't lived in a house with that
type of lock for over 40 years. We call them antiques!