Expert: Terry V Andreasen (Andy) - 9/22/2009

Question
QUESTION: do not have the combo for this safe.  Would like to get it open.  It's been in my driveway for years and I would like to open it and install a new combo lock.  Any suggestions?  
Can you tell me about this safe??  on the left handed handle the number punched on the knob is 55507 on the right hand side it's 55557.

Thanks, Dee Dee

ANSWER: Dee Dee,

The safe is actually a Herring-Hall-Marvin Safe Company safe.  From the serial numbers it would probably have been built in the 1920's.

Because of the lock that is installed, you are not going to be able to replace the lock with a "new" lock without extensive modifications.  I'm not sure why you want to replace it anyway.  Once you get the safe open, and have the lock serviced correctly it should work for years.

You will need to contact a local safe company to have the safe opened and repaired.  Cost should be around $350-$500 and take around 2-3 hours.  I recommend the use of a trained safe technician not a locksmith.  Generally locksmiths do not have the training and will ruin a perfectly good safe in their opening "ATTEMPT"!
Check your yellowpages under safes & vaults, or let me know where you and the safe are and I'll see if I have a referal for you.

Andy

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you so very  much for your answer.  I want to "fix" this safe so it's in the original condition as much as possible.  I value it's value.  I would like to pass it along to my 9 year old grandson..He is soooo money focused..and saves like no tomorrow...I want to display it in my company's office like a valued antique...It will be his to open and save for his future.  
my cell # is   I live in Bakersfield California. My name is Dee Dee
Please,,,any help you offer would be very appreciated.  
Thanks again for corresponding so quickly.


Answer
Dee Dee,

I'll have to look in my list at the office to see who I recommend in the Bakersfield area.  I'm further north in Hayward, but we do cover from Fresno to Oregon and western Nevada for service.  I know that there are not a lot of trained safe techs in your area as I have several companies that I do business for, and I've had to find safe techs for them.  I have a couple of really good safe guys in the LA area, but getting them to Bakersfield won't be cheap.

HHM manufactured safes from 1892 until they were bought by Diebold in 1959.  The factory was closed in 1962.  As your safe is probably from the 1920's it isn't an antique yet, but it is still a collectible.
Opening, repairing and restoring the safe will add value to it.
Because it does not meet current standards for fire or burglary protection, I don't recommend using it for overnight storage of cash, jewelry or valuable documents.  However, it would make a great display safe.  With new cabinetry to show off your companies products, or a small collection, this safe would definitly be a great conversation piece.

Andy