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Antique Safes/Vault door

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Expert: - 9/19/2009


Question
Hi Mike I have always had a great interest in security particularly safes and vaults and I have been looking to buy an antique vault door. I am looking for a crane hinge type and have seen a few for sale in America but as you can imagine the shipping costs are a bit chunky. I have made some inquires in the UK but with no luck do you know if the are such doors around in the UK and of any that may be for sale?
Thanks for your time.
Tom

Answer
Hi Tom

I haven't seen a reconditioned crane hinge vault door in quite a while, but as I am semi retired now, I am probably a little out of touch.  The problem is that dealers would probably be reluctant to buy them as they would struggle to find a customer to sell in on to.  However, there are a few people you could try.  A-Z Safe Warewhouse in Essex buys vaults and doors; ask for Chris Goldfinch on 01268 566317 or email sales@atozsafes.com.

Thomas Fox could be worth a try - ask for the MD, Paul Rutter, on 01923 811700 or email enqiries@thomasfox.co.uk.

Paul Winston is an ex John Tann manager and he may know where some of their vault doors went to when they were taken over by Gunnebo and closed down.  He can be reached by email at paul.winston@epsplc.com - sorry haven't got his phone number.

Some of the main specialists in vault and strongrooms have disappeared in the past few years.  If these guys can't help they can probably suggest others you could try.

Good luck!

Mike Palmer FSyI
Insurance Liaison Coordinator

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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