I have a 1930s wood schoolteacher desk that my roommate somehow locked on the left side. She only remembers closing the drawers. It's of the vintage/style where there's a catch or latch on the back of the drawer -- not keyed. The drawers are empty (she locked it while packing to move). I can't access the drawers (back, side, underneath) without dismantling the desk (not my first choice).

The center drawer and right side ones are fine.

Help?

I'm presuming there's a keyed lock on the center drawer... I'd search under the desk top in the center drawer for the latch.

I found the catch -- but it seems to be stuck. I can jiggle it a little, but not really move it. The one on the other side moves. Any further thoughts short of demolition?

You might try penetrating oil. If that doesn't work, with an inspection mirror and an angle screwdriver (unless the drawer comes out so you've got better access), you might be able to remove the latch.

If you tip the desk on it's back, there also might be some things concerning the locking mechanisms that you could see on the underside, and also to which you might have access using tools that are long enough to reach them.