Expert: Terry V Andreasen (Andy) - 9/30/2008

Question
Hi,
I may inheret a Mosler Safe, Buffalo NY is painted on the front, black safe...very nice hand painting (i think)..serial #19501...very good condition...I do not have access to a photo right now...as it is located out of town...Is there anyway to open it without the combo? any ideas as to a ballpark in value?
Thanks

Answer
Kris,

Lets go over your questions as there are some problems; first Mosler was never in Buffalo, NY.  However, Mosler did have their name on some other safes, for instance Mosler did sell Corliss Cannonball safes that were made in NY.

Gustave Mosler began the Mosler Safe Co., as the "Mosler-Bahmann Safe Co." in 1867 in Cincinnatti.  They soon outgrew several facilities and eventually moved to Hamilton, Oh in 1891 where it remained until its bankruptcy in 2001.

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 a 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.

Based on your description, locked up with no combination, this safe would currently fall into the condition category of "poor".  This would limit its value from $0 to "pay someone to haul it away".  Thats about as "ball park" as you can get.

I know that sounds bad but we still have a ways to go.  The first thing we need to do is accurately identify your safe, inorder to do this I'm going to need pictures.  Photos should include full interior/exterior and detail photos of the dial, handle, hinges, locks, wheels or castors, art work, cabinetry and any special details.

As far as opening the safe of course we can get it open.  I'll need to know what area you are in so I can recommend someone.  The cost to open the safe will depend on several things; type of safe and rating, area that the safe is in, and what the lock shop charges.  We will deal with these items after we identify your safe.  

Some other things that you need to think about are what are your plans for the safe?  Keep it as is? Open it and keep it? restore/refurbish it to keep or sell? sell it as is?
The reason for all the questions is price, safes can be alot like a boat (a hole in the water into which you pour money), until you sell it or give it away, you are going to be sinking money into, hopefully the gratification of the old safe is what you are looking for, which makes the cash outlay a little easier!

In the mean time - get a camera and send me some photos.

Andy
andy@securitysafeusa.com or
safcracker@aol.com