Expert: Terry V Andreasen (Andy) - 12/29/2008

Question
QUESTION: I have a safe that sounds like one someone just asked you about. I  have found almost no information about these safes. It is 27 inches deep, 40 high, and 30.5 wide. Do you know an approximate value and an approximate weight.

ANSWER: Joel,

The Detroit Safe Company was formed by D.O. Paige, John J. Bagley & Z. R. Brockway in July of 1865 to manufacture safes, vaults & jails.  Mr. Bagley was the president of the firm for several years before he eventually was elected as Governer of Michigan (1873-1877).
I don't have any records of the company after the mid 1880's, so it was probably only around for about 20 years.

In order to rate your safe, I'm going to need photos.  They should include full exterior and interior.  Detail photos should include pictures of the dial, handles, hinges, artwork, locks, castors, cabinetry and any special details or damage.  Please use as high a resolution as possible.  Pictures which are low resolution, out of focus, or from a distance don’t help when we try to evaluate the container.

Send the photos to:  andy@securitysafeusa.com

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“

We try to be as objective as possible, but ultimately the value is determined by the motivation of the buyer and seller.

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.

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 more than it is worth.

Based on the picture that you included, and assuming the safe is open.  I would place a current value on it of $100-$350.  Once you have sent me the photos requested, I will be able to give you a better value on the safe.  Remember restoration will dramatically improve the value.

Andy


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

QUESTION: Great answer, thank you so much.  Do you know an approximate weight and how I would go about selling the safe?

Answer
Joel,

The weight is probably going to be in the neighborhood of 1200-1500 lbs, maybe more depending on the interior.

Depending on what you have available to you, you can use E-bay, Craigslist, check with your local antique stores for consignment sales, local want ads, etc.  
You should have three prices in mind - what you want, what you would like and what you will take.
Note:  The pricing that I gave you would be more of a suggested retail price, so don't take it to heart, but do remember that this safe does not meet any current standards for burglar or fire protection.  If you are selling it sell it as an antique safe, only.

I would still like you to send me more photos of your safe so that I can finish evaluating it.  Send them to my email address.

Andy
andy@securitysafeusa