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Antique Safes/Antique Safe Handles

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Expert: Terry V Andreasen (Andy) - 11/3/2009


Question
Hi,

Do you know where I can find an antique safe handle to purchase? The size and shape don't matter too much, as it is for a decorative safe door. I already have an antique combination lock dial for it.

Also, do you know where I might find safe door art work to look at?  Thank you for your assistance!
Suzanne

Answer
Suzanne,

I may be able to help you on both counts, but I need more information to assist.

First the handle.  I need to know what diameter you need the arbor, and what length from the handle (face of the safe) to the end of the arbor.  Do you need a special "end"?  Square, round, threaded, two flats?  Give me some more info on what you are looking for, and I'll see what I have.

Second the art work.  What are you looking for?  Simple, elegant, Picasso?  What manufacture are you dealing with as this will give me some ideas of what would be "appropriate" for your safe.
(note: by appropriate I mean original manufacture).

If you are restoring your safe yourself, don't necessarily limit yourself to what the safe "would" have looked like.  I say this because most people are not going to collect a whole set of safes.  The one that you have should say something to you, and it should be interesting enough that you are proud to display it.  I mean you wouldn't go out and buy a painting that you really liked, take it home and hide it in the closet would you?

Similarly the interior should be so nice that you never want to close the door, but have it open so that you can stare at it daily!

You will need to send your email address directly to me, as this website "sanitizes" for your protection.  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 38 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

38 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 Clearstar

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 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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