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Antique Safes/Old Safe Information Request Including Questions about Acorns

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Expert: - 12/8/2008


Question

Safe
The "Spector"  safe in the photographs is a recent acquisition.  About 37
inches high from bottom of wheels and the other  dimensions are 25 x 25.
The family who sold it to me said the safe was in possession of their family
since the 1920's but I believe the safe is from before WWI because it has
heavy cast iron Acorn finials.  Your opinion on the age would be appreciated.
Sending additional photos (that you often request) to your email address so
that you may better answer my inquiry.  Thanks ever so much!  
Is the name "Spector Safe Co" an advertising front? The address in paint is
324 Grand St. New York.   Are you able to tell me anything about the (real)
manufacturer?  The combination, which works fine, starts to the right for 4
turns, then left 3, right 2 and left 1.  The combination face has YALE on it.  
The safe is missing the top Acorn finials on both hinges.  This finials screw
into the hinge and the top (missing) Acorns have a larger screw-in diameter
than the bottom acorns.  I read on a previous post of yours that new acorns
can be had for about $25 dollars; please advise how and where I can get new
acorns made.  I cannot find a serial number on the handle or anywhere.  The
gypsum fireproofing is in one piece inside the door, I know this because I
took of the inside panel to have a look.  I have all the inside keys.  Can any
locksmith make copies or do I need a special locksmith?   Any advice as to
how to lubricate dial combination and locking mechanism?

Answer
Hi Stephen,

I received the extra photos that you sent to my email address.  The safe is probably a Herring-Hall Marvin Safe.  HHM made safes from 1892 to the late 1950's.  The name "Spector Safe Co" was probably a small shop in New York.  Many companies will put their names on the safes for advertising purposes.
Your estimate, based on the original owners having the safe since the 1920's is probably accurate, especially with the cast acorns.  The contact I have for the Acorns, varies with price.  You would have to send him one of yours (preferably the best one), he will duplicate it as accuratly as possible, you may have to hand fit the threads for your safe as much of this stuff was hand made in the early 1900s.  His price varies depending on the Acorns he makes, and the quantity.  Prices I gave on previous postings were for that particular acorn and quantities.  You might check with a local machine shop in your area or call:  Franks Custom machining - 209-334-6356 (Lodi, CA)
You can check with your local locksmiths to see if they can duplicate your keys, but many of them may not be able to.  Not be cause they don't have the equipment, they just don't have the "old time" training.

As far as lubricating the dial and combination lock, I would recommend that you have a safe technician perform that operation.  Disassembly of the lock for cleaning and lubrication, will require that it is reassembled correctly.  One piece out of order will result in a costly lock out.  If you decide to do it your self, lay the pieces out exactly as you disassemble them, use a lubricant like Tri-Flow to clean and lubricate them, wipe the pieces dry.  Brass is a self lubricating metal, that will hold all of the lubricant necessary.

Andy

Terry V Andreasen (Andy)

Expertise

Safe and Vault related Questions; Antique Safe Repair and Restoration; With over 40 years in the Safe & Vault industry, if I can't answer your question I know where to get the answer. Current Project: Restoration of two Tilton & McFarland Safes from the 1860's. Will answer Safe & Vault related questions concerning age, value, restoration, moving, opening & repairing, parts, operation and history. Note: It is not my intention to teach you to open safes or to provide information which may aid in the unlawful opening of a safe. I will not give out drill points or information which I deem inappropriate.

Experience

40 years in the Safe & Vault Industry. Service Manager for one of the largest Safe & Vault companies on the West Coast. Graduate of Lockmasters Safe Lock Servicing, Safe lock Manipulation and Safe Deposit Lock Courses. Graduate of Locksmith Institute. Certified Instructor for the California Locksmith Association teaching Basic and Advanced Lock Servicing, Basic Safe opening and Repairing. Factory Trained by AMSEC, LORD Safes, LeFebure, Mosler, KabaMas, LaGard and Sargent & Greenleaf

Organizations
Safecrackers International and the National Antique Safe Association

Education/Credentials
Graduate of Locksmith Institute 1972 Graduate Lockmasters Safe Lock Servicing 1974 Graduate Lockmasters Safe Lock Manipulation 1975 Graduate Lockmasters Safe Deposit Lock Servicing 1985 Instructor Certified - California Locksmith Association - 1985 Factory trained by AMSEC, MAJOR, STAR, Johnson-Pacific, Kaba-MAS, Allied-Gary, ISM, Lord, Brown Safe, EXL, Mosler, Diebold.

Awards and Honors
2009, 2010 & 2011 Listed in AllExperts top 50 Experts. All Experts Categories - Safes & Security Containers, Locksmithing, Antique Safes. Retired US Army Reserve Chief Warrant Officer (CW3), with 32 years of total service. With numerous awards from Vietnam, Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. US Navy - 1971-1981 US Army Reserve 1984-2006 US Army Retired Reserve 2006-present

Past/Present Clients
US Secret Service, FBI, BATF, Local Law enforcment agencies, Diebold, Hamilton Pacific, Red Hawk Int., Chubb International, Bank of America, Wells Fargo Bank, Mechanics Bank, El Dorado Savings Bank, many Credit unions and smaller banks. McDonalds, Togos, BurgerKing, TacoBell, Carls Jr. FoodMaxx, SaveMart, Lucky's, Albertson's, Raley's, Safeway, NobHill, Bell Markets, PW Markets. Great America, Century Theatres, Cinemark Theatres, UA Cinemas, and many homeowners and small businesses. Provide warranty service for lock and safe manufactures. Service area is Northern California - Fresno to Oregon, including western Nevada

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