1940 coupe trunk handle won't open

[klicker]

This morning it took two hands to open my trunk (latch). The next time I tried, I couldn't for the life of me get the handle turned enough to open the trunk. I ended up cutting the base and through the shaft, leaving about 1". I was able to turn the shaft with vice grips and easily opened the trunk. Of course, with my butchered handle/base I have no idea why it quit working. Most of the parts were Vintique. A couple parts were Drake. All nearly new. All the big guns are out of stock. There's an ebay seller, but appears to be Vintique. Great day.....