How to get a Nikon Speedlight SB-16 Battery Lid off?

My mom is giving me her old camera gear, including her SB-16. She has not used it in years, and when I try to get the lid off, it won't budge. I fear the batteries that are in it have corroded and I don't want to damage the flash while trying to get it open. Any suggestions?

I very well could be that the batteries did corrode and you will have to gently pry the battery cover off.

Once you can see inside, you might be able to use a slurry of baking soda to neutralize the corrosion in the battery compartment. If the contacts were dissolved, it may cost more to repair it than buy a new dedicated flash