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Antique Safes/Value of HHM safe

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Expert: - 10/1/2009


Question
I am looking to get a value on a Herring Hall Marvin Safe. It is 27"D x 43"W x 42" H. It is Fire proof. The label lists this info:
Spec F1-D
SMNA Class B
Y117135
Can you let me know what kind of value this has.

Answer
Bob,

First, there is no such thing as "fire proof"!  the "F1-D" specification is a "Fire Insulated Safe", the "class B" rating, means 2 hour tested, Fire-Resistive Safe, with Impact testing.
The "Y" in the serial number indicates that the safe originally cost more than $75.
This safe has no burglary protection.  It was built for record protection only (paper).

History  HHM went out of business in 1959 (bought out by Diebold) and the factory was closed in 1962.  Your safe was probably built in the late 1940's through the 50's.
Note:  safes over 50 years old do not meet current fire or burglary standards and should not be used for over night storage of cash, jewelry or valuable documents.

Value:
fire & burglary     $0     Does not meet current standards
Resale              $0-$300     I would need to see pictures to give you a better estimate.
Antique value       $0     This safe is not over 100 years old and is not an antique.
Collectible value   $0-$300     While this safe is between 50-100 years old, it is basically "office equipment" and doesn't have a lot of "collectible value"

For a better appraisal I would need to see interior and exterior photos of the safe, with detail pics of handle, dial, hinges, castors, art work, cabinetry or any special details and damage.

Andy
andy@securitysafeusa.com

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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