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Antique Safes/Old Norris safe

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Expert: - 12/11/2009


Question
I received an old safe on the door is Norris Safe & Lock CO Ltd Vancouver-BC on the handle is the # L3469 the combination wheel goes 1 to 100 I do not have the combination to open it. Is there any chance of getting it open without taling it to a profesional? It is 25" wide 30" high 25" deep and heavy I really don't want to move it again but can't wait to see what's in it if anything. I tried to turn the wheel but I don't have a clue what to listen for or feel for. Please help
Thank you for your time
Adam

Answer
Hello Adam

I am not familiar with Norris Safes so I will pass a copy of this enquiry to a colleague in California who may be able to comment further.  However, as a general rule, there are no override codes on mechanical combination locks and you shouldn't believe everything you see on TV or the cinema when James Bond twiddles a lock a couple of times and it suddenly springs open.  There is no way a layman would be able to open a combination lock without the code.  It is almost as difficult for a specialist safe engineer to do so and they frequently resort to using an expensive electronic dialler to rapidly dial sequences of numbers for hours on end until the code is revealed.   The most common way of getting into a locked safe is for a skilled engineer to drill it open - so I'm afraid there is no way to avoid consulting a good locksmith other than leaving it as it is.

I have to say that throughout my 40 year career in this industry I have commissioned hundreds of safes to be opened by owners 'just in case' there was something inside.  How many times did we discover anything of value?  Not once, so be prepared for disappointment.

Good luck,

Mike Palmer FSyI
Insurance Liaison Coordinator
Guardian Safes Limited

Antique Safes

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Mike Palmer

Expertise

I earn my living identifying safes and suggesting cash limits for risk advisors and insurance surveyors in the UK. I'm not able to comment on safes made in the USA but will be happy to take questions on all major British and European manufacturers.

Experience

I have been in the UK safe industry for 40 years and have one of the largest archive databases of old safe literature and serial numbers in the country. I started with Chubb in 1960 and became Assistant Manager of their Bank Security Division before moving on to become the Insurance Liaison Manager with the John Tann Group. I became Sales & Marketing Director for Guardian Safes Limited before semi-retiring. I am a Fellow of the Security Institute and Chairman of Eurosafe UK, a trade body representing the interests of UK safe makers and distributors. I now work as a part time consultant.

Organizations
I am an invited advisor to the Safe Committee of the Association of Insurance Surveyors and a Fellow of the Security Institute.

Publications
I have had literally scores of articles published in various security trade publications. So far this year I have had 24 features published in various journals including Keyways, Professional Security, Pawnbroker and Safe India.

Education/Credentials
I have no relevant educational credentials.

Awards and Honors
In 1997 I was awarded the annual shield by the Association of Insurance Surveyors for "..outstanding services to crime prevention"

Past/Present Clients
I have represented or been an agent for the John Tann Group (Stratford, Ratner, Dreadnought and Tann safes); Churchill Safes, Chubb Safe Co Ltd, SLS Safes, SMP Safes, Dudley Safes and several others

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