Expert: Terry V Andreasen (Andy) - 9/11/2009

Question
I have a hall's safe and lock co. safe it is brown inn color and has what looks to be hand painted rose's on the door outside and inside of the door it also has a rose painted on the little lock box inside it also has a date of 1849 painted on the inside of the door. it has some scratches and a nice patina on the artwork i almost have the combo figured out i just need a feeler gauge or something stiff enough that will fit in the slots any info would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you,  Charlie

Answer
Charlie,

In order to identify, evaluate or appraise your safe, I'm going to need photos.  They should include full exterior and interior.  Detail photos should include pictures of the dial, handles, hinges, artwork, locks, bolt work, castors, cabinetry and any special details or damage.  Note:  You may have to remove the back panel on the door to gain access to the lock & bolt work – I will need these pics.  If you have a particular detail that you have a question about, I will need a photo of it.

Please use as high a resolution as possible.  Pictures which are low resolution, out of focus, or from a distance don’t help when we try to evaluate the container.  Note:  with higher resolution, you may only be able to send 2-4 pictures per email, depending on the size of the file.  If photos are larger than 2mb each, you may only be able to send two per email.

Please send all of the requested photos to:  andy@securitysafeusa.com

Our informal evaluation is at no charge, however if you need a formal evaluation or appraisal for insurance, estate sales, or to establish it as an antique, there is an administrative fee for this service.

Joseph Hall started making safes in 1846, starting the "Hall's Safe & Lock Company" in 1848.  The company continued until shortly after his death in 1889 it merged with two other companies to form "Herring-Hall & Marvin Safe Companies (HHM 1892-1962).  You may have a very early Hall's Safe.

You are on the right track to figuring out the combination.  Note:  This lock will dial RLRL or LRLR and you may have two different combo's depending on how you dial it.  Pick one direction and stick with it.  Also you may have a 3, 4, or 5 wheel lock - this is important.  Basically you will stick the "decoding tool" into the slot and dial one direction until the tool slides into the gate in the wheel, this will be your first number.  Reverse directions and dial until the tool engages the second wheel gate, this will be your second number.  Continue until you have all of the numbers figured out.  An alternative method would be to use a flash light and look into the slot, as you dial you will see the first wheel notch line up with the slot.  Reverse direction and dial until the second wheel notch lines up.  Make note of each number that lines up on the dial when the gates line up in the slot.  Also keep track of the dial turns for each number and each direction.

Don't forget to send me your pictures so we can narrow down the mfg dates.  Don't skimp on the pics, and remember you may need to send them to me in several emails.

Andy