Expert: Terry V Andreasen (Andy) - 6/6/2011

Question
I have recently found this safe.  The Serial No. is 352690 and it has a Fire Classification of "C" and "T-20" Burglary designation.  The combination lock is Sargent & Greenleaf.  I do not know the combination, and the safe is locked.  There are five very small holes on the top left front of the safe.  The color is gunmetal gray.  The finish is not very good....many scratches.  Could you give me an estimate of the value?

Answer
Pat,

Without seeing the safe, I have no idea how much it would be worth, but based on your description I can tell you some information.

first off safes over 50 years old don't meet current standards for fire or burglary.  In this case, HHM was acquired by Diebold in 1959 and the factory closed down in 1962, so your safe would be over 50 years old.

Chances are the small holes in the top left front of the safe were from a previous alarm contact.

The fire classification "C" indicates that the safe was intended to provide 1 hour of fire resistance for documents.
The "T-20" burglary classification, basically means "Tamper resistant", not Burglary resistant.

Values:
Fire resistance:     $0     This safe doesn't meet current standards.
Burglary resistance: $0     This safe is NOT a burglary resistant safe.
Resale:              $0     This safe has no commercial or retail value.  It should not be used for overnight storage of cash, jewelry or valuable documents.
Antique:             $0     This safe is not over 100 years old.
Collectible:         $0     this container is considered "office equipment" and not a collectible.

While the safe will have value, it just isn't under any of the above categories.  Right now the safe has a negative value as it will cost between $350-$500 to have it opened and repaired.  Chances are it won't be worth much more than this when it is opened.

In order to answer questions, 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 along with your question.
I will also need to see any documentation that you have in regards to your safe.  If your safe has a unique historical perspective, you should be able to document this with letters, newspaper articles or photos, if not it is simply a story and will have no bearing on the value of your safe.

Please use as high a resolution as possible so that I can examine details of your safe.  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, I have a 6mb limit per email.  If photos are larger than 2mb each, you may only be able to send two per email, requiring several emails.

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

Note:  As I am in the field several days each week, covering a huge service area, I may not get back to your photos immediately, but I will respond as soon as I get an opportunity.

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

Andy