Expert: Mike Palmer - 10/25/2009

Question
Dear Sir

Please can you help us?. I have been asked by my wifes mum if I knew of anyone that can open a safe,to which the keep had been lost.The safe was made by Phillips & Son, its green in colour,in very good condition, stands about 60cms tall, 45cm wide, has one brass turning T-piece, to open the door & one brass key port for unlocking!!!.
Its been locked for the last 15 years and nobody knows what is in it!!!!!

Can this type of safe be opened without any damage caused,can a key be cut to open it again,& what would you expect the costs envolved i.e whats the max you would expect to pay to have the safe opened.  also can you reccomend any types of locksmiths.

whats the average  sale price for a safe like this

Regards
Jason Williams  

Answer
Hello Jason

Thanks for your question.  Phillips and Son were one of a host of safe makers existing during the two wars.  There is a chance that a good locksmith/safe engineer could pick it open.  This will depend on its age and the condition of the lock.  My guess is that they would prefer to drill it.  This will leave a hole in the safe which the engineer will plug.  It will also require a new lock.

You don't say where you are based so I can't recommend anyone but Insafe is the country's largest network of safe engineers and they have fully trained people nationwide.  Their number is 01892 533000 - ask for their service department and they will be able to quote their rates.  Alternatively you can check with the Master Locksmiths Association website on www.locksmith.co.uk  

However, I must caution you that the safe is very old and also quite common so it will have very little value.  The cost of drilling it open and fitting a new lock is probably going to cost close to £200 which I suspect is more than the safe is worth.  It is always tempting to imagine that there may be great wealth inside and over the years my engineers have opened scores of safes 'just in case' and only once was there anything of substantial value.

The main problem with these old safes is that insurers will not accept them so there is a limit to how much cash or jewellery you are advised to keep in them.  This reduces their value.  However, if the safe is in excellent condition you may be able to sell it.  Take a look at safes for sale on eBay and compare them with your Phillips - this will give you an indication of what you could get for it.

I hope this helps.

Regards,

Mike Palmer FSyI
Insurance Liaison Coordinator