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Antique Safes/York Safe value

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Expert: - 12/19/2008


Question
Hi,
I e-mailed earlier this week about a York Safe that I acquired.  Thanks for that info.  I would also like to know if it is worth more than scrap and if I should take the time to have someone repaint/restore it.  An approx. value would be great.  Thanks
Dan

Answer
Dan,

This is a multipart question, so bear with me -

Yes the safe is worth more than "scrap", how much depends on the condition, the motivation of the seller and the motivation of the buyer!
Because of the age of the safe, it is not yet an antique, maybe in 30 to 50 years.  With this in mind it is basically an old safe.  Fortunately, because of the history of the York Safe company (previous email) it makes the safe slightly interesting.  The safe is a large safe, this limits its "customer interest" to customers that need a larger storage area.  Someone that wants a smaller display safe, are not going to be interested, on the other hand, someone with a larger collection to display may be very interested.

Because of its age, it does not meet current fire and/or burglary standards.  It should not be used for over night storage of cash, jewelry, guns or valuables.

Current Value would be in the $100 to $400 range.  This of course does not include any repair costs, shipping or delivery fees etc., all of which may take away from the potential value.
restoration or refurbishment fees would enhance the sell - ability of the safe, and increase the potential value.

Hope this helps a little.

Andy

Antique Safes

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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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