Expert: Terry V Andreasen (Andy) - 10/7/2008

Question
I have an Alpine safe that is in relatively good condition.  The paint has some scratches but all the ornate lettering and painting designs are intact.  It has a pictures on the front and back side of a country setting. The outside combination works but I don't have the key to the small inside compartment.  Inside the door is printed "Pat. June 12, '88".  The name painted on the the top is J.A. Potter.  I can find very little information on it other than the years of incorporation for the company and the name change in 1902 and that is was founded in Cincinnati via the Ohio Department of States web site.  I was wondering if you could give me an idea of what it may be worth, if anything.  Thanks.

Answer
Cindy,

Alpine Safe Company was one of many small safe companies that sprank up in the late 1800's, Cincinnatti seemed to have been a magnet for these manufactures.  The Patent date is the date the US Patent office approved the design.  The safes would have been manufactured after that date, probably in the 1890's.
A couple of their unique features were the art work, the hinges and their locks, which they manufactured themselves.

Rating Antique Value is based on several things, such as (but not limited to):
1.  Condition:  (excellent, good, fair, poor)
2.  Age
3.  Manufacture
4.  Type:  (Fire, Data, Burglary (bankers or jewelers)
5.  Construction methods:  (sheet steel, cast iron, composite, heavy steel/manganese)
6.  Size / Weight
7.  Art work  (original/refurbished/restored)
8.  History:  (documented with and without photo’s)
9.  Purpose of resale -  as an antique or for use as “Burglar safe or Fire safe“

Condition is based on different levels such as:
Excellent - Like new / out of the box
Good - Used but in like new condition/all parts available and work
Fair - minor damage, paint scratches, combo's and keys are available and/or doors are locked open.  Interior has minor damage.
Poor - Locked missing combo or keys, missing parts (ie locks, wheel packs) major damage, safe has been repainted over existing paint.  Interior damage, drawers missing, locks damaged, missing, etc.

The type of safe can change the value dramatically as Bankers & Jewelers safes are more sought after than cast iron record safes.

Purpose of "use"  If you are going to refurbish the safe and use it as an antique the value will be more than if you were going to use it as a "safe".  The reason being the safe was built 100 years ago, it would not stand up to current fire and burglary standards at all.
Value of your safe for current fire and burglar protection would be $0.
Remember that the majority of these safes were built prior to cutting torches and/or most of the electrical tools that we have today.  The do not meet current burglary or fire protection standards and as such should not be used for overnight storage of valuables such as:  cash, jewelry, valuable documents, guns or computer media (discs, thumbdrives, microfiche).  

Without seeing quality pictures of the safe it is difficult to answer the question concerning value, however that being said, most safes such as yours in fair condition usually go for $250 to $500.

If the safe has documented history and/or if you restored it to original condition you could significantly improve the value of the safe.

If you really like the safe, and it isn't in the way, it would make a great end table/conversation piece.  If the inside is serviceable and not in too bad shape, you could convert it for use as a Humidor or small wine cabinet for those red wines that like the dark and a constant temperature.

If you decide to restore it, I have some ideas that will be of help to you, but unless it is a really unique safe and/or you are really in love with it, you should plan on spending more than it is worth.

Depending on how large your safe is you could use it as an interesting conversation piece or storage and display of collectible items that you may have.  Don't be afraid to convert the interior cabinetry over to a nice display cabinet of some sort.

Don't forget to send me pictures of the safe if you want a better evaluation.  I would need full exterior, interior and detail photos of the dial, handle, hinges,  castors, locks, art work, cabinetry and any special details or damage.

Andy
andy@securitysafeusa.com