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Antique Safes/Antique Fichet Safe in need of repair

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Expert: - 4/9/2009


Question
I acquired my grandfathers personal floor safe when he passed away a
few years ago.  I had it transported to the states from France.  The
safe lock worked prior to shipment (although it was slightly
problematic), but since arriving in the U.S. I have been unable to
unlock it.  The safe itself did not appear to take any damage from the
shipment.  It uses a key lock only and I believe it was manufactured
in the early 1900s.  It stands about 4.5 feet high and is about 2.5'D
by 2.5'W.  There are two companies referenced on the badges.  One is
Fichet with various cities and dates under it (Paris 1900, St. Louis
1904, Liege 1905 and Brussel 1910).  Then the key lock badge
references Pinot & Company SUCC as well as Fichet.ED and the street
Rue de Richelieu in Paris.  The safe seems to be very sound other than
the lock and the finish which is flaking off.  I would like to be
able to use the safe so I am trying to find a company that can help me
with getting the lock fixed and open.  I would also like to have it
restored.  I am located on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, but would not be able to
move the safe on my own.  Sorry I don't have photos to attach, but I am planning to take some photos of the safe and could supply them.  Does this sound like something that could be repaired without damaging the integrity of the safe?  Are you aware of any reputable companies in the South that could offer repair and refurbishment of antique safes?  Thanks for your time and any guidance you can offer.

Answer
James,

You have a unique safe, parts are not going to be easy to get so you definitly want to be choosy about who you use to restore your safe.  I would recommend Guy Zani Jr., I know he is in Florida, but if you want to keep your safe in great condition, he is your man.  Check out his web site for some idea of the kind of work he can do:

http://www.theantiquesafecollector.com/

The Antique Safe Collector - Guy Zani Jr. 5300 Casa Nueva Dr., New Port Richey, Florida 34655
Telephone: 727-372-8539  
email: theantiquesafecollector@yahoo.com

I have also included a couple of smaller safe companies closer to you, but I have no idea of their capabilities to help you out.

Jackson Safe & Lock Co
842 Larson St
Jackson, MS 39202
(601) 353-4226

Aaa Safe Company
13234 Highway 17
Oak Grove, LA 71263
(318) 428-4683

Andy

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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