Expert: Terry V Andreasen (Andy) - 6/5/2011

Question
I have a safe which spent it's life on a steam locomotive train until removed by my great-uncle when he left their employ.  It hsa been in the family since it was purchased.  It is is in excellent condition with all original parts.  I have the combination and opened it recently.  It needs no restoration other then a cleaning which I have not done because I am not certain what I can or can not use on it without harming the finish.  I am going to make an attempt to froward a picture but it looks very similar in size to one I just saw posted on your site.  I an curious about cleaning and value .  I appreciate your time and assistance.

Answer
Stephen,

I have no listings for a "Keystone Lock & Safe Co." as a manufacture, so the first item of business will be to actually find out what you have.

As far as cleaning the safe and cabinetry, you can use any non-abrasive cleaners.  Soap and water won't hurt it and will remove the majority of the grime.  Products like Pledge will clean, polish and apply a light coat of oil to the surface to help protect it.

If the paint appears to have light "cracking" or "crazing", this is probably the old varnish, which would need to be removed.  New varnish or a clear coat would then be reapplied after any paint restoration work.

Cabinetry can be simply cleaned with Pledge.  If it is damaged you can sand it, re-stain it and then refinish the wood with oil or wax.

This web site isn't really set up for photos, so you will need to send them directly to me for viewing.

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.  Does your Great Uncle have any documents or photos of the safe acctually in use on the train?  How long was the safe in use, and what routes did it travel?  Any special cargos?  Remember if you can't document it, then for all practical purposes it didn't happen!

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