Expert: Terry V Andreasen (Andy) - 10/6/2008

Question
QUESTION: I am trying to set a price on a cannonball safe.  Please let me know what this type of safe is worth.  I found one on Ebay for $2,000.  This safe has a label on it "Maganese Steel Safe 1904".  I have more pictures but was only able to attach one.  Thank you

ANSWER: Hi Barbara,

I may have someone interested in purchasing your safe.  Once he responds, if he sends me an email address, I'll forward it to you.

Andy

Barbara,

Sorry, but your picture did not come through.  Please send your pictures to my email address below.

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.  Cannonball safes are not "common" so they tend to be worth more.  However, they do have their own unique problems, the most obvious being the size and weight.  This will figure substantially in the minds of potential buyers.

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.

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 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 potentially more than it is worth.

Send me the pictures so that we can identify it and come up with some ideas.

andy
andy@securitysafeusa.com

Barbara,

I received your pictures at my email address.  I tried to respond but your address kept "kicking" my response back for some reason.  
After looking at the pictures of your beautiful safe, I can't understand why you would want to sell it?
In its current condition I would set the price around $10,000.  Bear in mind that you should have several prices in mind; your asking price (highest), what you would like (medium), and what you will take (lowest).  My recommendatins would be $12,000 - $10,000 - $8,000.  The lowest price depends on your motivation to get rid of the safe.  The highest price would depend on the motivation of the buyer to get the safe.  The question always comes up, how long are you willing to sit on the safe?  I'll guarantee that if you have the time, you will find the buyer.
As far as the safe goes, the "Manganese Steel Safe Company" was around in the late 1800 and early 1900's.  They have a connection with the "Hibbard-Rodman-Ely Safe Company" but I'm still researching the connection.  I know that at one point Hibbard, worked for the Manganese Steel Safe Company, and infact was an engineer for them.

I recently saw a plaque on a No. 10, Manganese Steel Safe Company Cannonball, that lists a "Hibbard-Rodman-Ely System".  It had Pat'd dates of 1900/1901/1902, but these were Pat'd dates for the safe, not the lock (Y&T Pat'd 1892).

The Manganese Steel Safe Company moved from Plainfield, NJ to New York in the early 1900's and may have changed hands or names at some point.

I'll keep researching, good luck and I hope the safe finds a good home.

Andy

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Andy-
You mentioned you may have someone interested in the safe.  Have you checked with that person?  We are interested in selling the safe as soon as possible and will pay you a commission if you bring us an acceptable offer.
Barbara

Answer
Barbara,

I did email him after I learned you were interested in selling.  I know that he has read the email, but he has not responded.  I'm still looking, however, it is a special type of person or company that is looking for a cannonball.  You should probably be prepared to hold on to the safe for awhile.

What city is the safe in?

Andy