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Antique Safes/changing combination on a Mosley @Bahmann

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Expert: - 12/12/2008


Question
I was wanting to know how to change the combination on the safe described below.
Mosley @Bahmann safe
Number on the handle to lock the safe 15715
information on the dial
numbers 20 to 100
Sargent @greenleaf Rochester Ny.
Patd
Sept 16, 1860
Jan 9, 1866
Aug 28, 1866
July 14, 1867
Ex 7 years
July 14, 1871
I do have a key that was labeled to change the safe combination. The safe is open.
Thank- you

Answer
Ron,

Mosler-Bahmann safes mainly used Yale & Towne, 062-1/2 locks.  This type of lock was used on safes that have a free spinning handle.  When the lock is unlocked it will "engage" the handle allowing the boltwork to be retracted opening the door.  They also used the Yale 063-1/2 and Yale 025-1/2 locks on the banker style safes.  These were all hand change locks, which would have to be disassembled in order to change the combination.

I'm not familiar with any Mosler-Bahmann safes which used S&G locks.  That doesn't mean they didn't use them, it means that it wasn't a "standard" lock.  You could also have a lock which was retrofited on at a later date.

I would need some photos, to accutately id your safe and the lock, these should include full exterior and interior photos, with detail pics of the dial, handle, hinges, castors, lock, bolt work, cabinetry, art work and any special details.  Once I see the pictures I should be able to answer your question more completely.

Send the pics to my email address:  andy@securitysafeusa.com

Andy  

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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.

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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

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