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I just recieved a safe from my grandfather that has been in his shop for quit a few years. the name on the door is, M.SOLIN THE RELIABLE SAFE CO, COVINGTON KY.the safe is locked.a hole was drilled in the back of the safe level with the dial on the door.the safe is in great shape. the dial and handle move freely.do you have any info on this co.and maybe how to open it.
Kurt,
There is not a lot of info about this company, I have years of manufacture as between 1916-1940, but have not been able to "substantiate" the dates as of yet.
The unique thing about these safes are the dial handle arrangements and the hinges which differentiate them from most other safes.
Value is generally in the $250-$500 range for one that is open and functional. Restoration will increase that value.
In your case with the safe being locked (unknown combo), and having been drilled (unknown amount of damage) the value is in the $0-$250 range.
Cost to open & repair the existing damage would be around $350-$500.
Sorry, but one of the things we do not do on this web site, is to give out instructions on how to open safes. It is nothing personal, but we have no way of knowing who you are or whether you have legal posession of the safe or not. The best I can do is to give you a referral to a safe company in your area. If you have specific questions concerning the safe companies methods of opening and/or prices they will charge you, we can answer these questions. Make sure you have these questions before you hire someone, as I don't feel sorry for someone that is taken advantage of, be an informed consumer.
Andy
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Answers by Expert:
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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