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Antique Safes/Hassenforder Safe Co

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Expert: - 12/26/2009


Question
I opened a wall in a house my family bought and found an old safe. Printed on the front is Hassenforder Safe Co. Phila, PA and Chas. L. Altman.  The safe's dimesions are 30"(H)x26"(W)x 24" (deep).  I am looking for any and all info. there is to be had on this safe or direction to a site where I can research the info myself.  Thank you.

Answer
John,

The Hassenforder Safe Company did exhibit some safes at the 1876 Centinnial Exposition in Philadelphia.  They advertised as being manufactures of the "Latest improved eight flange, tongue & grove, fire & burglary proof safes".  They address was 219 North Fourth Street, Philadelphia, PA.  (this was the north-east corner of fourth & Branch Sts.).  The owner was Charles Hassenforder, Jr.

They were still listed in the 1892 Philadelphia Securities Listings, and in Boyers 1898 Business Directory.

So obviously this company was in business from at least the early 1870's to the late 1890's, but I do not have a start end date for this company.

Now that you have some more info, I would start researching in the Philadelphia Libraries to see if they have any further info.

The Chas. L. Altman, was probably Charles L. Altman.  He was probably an owner if not the original owner of the safe.  Research into this individual may reveal more info on the safe for you.

Sorry I can't be of more help.

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.

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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