Locksmithing/an old Mosler safe

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Expert: Terry V. Andreasen (Andy) - 2/23/2009


Question
Hi, I work at a junk yard and recently received a safe from an abandoned building.  I know there is probably no way of getting the thing open without crushing it but I thought it was worth a try.  I'm pretty sure the thing is from the 70's based on the cast iron style and fancy print but it could be any time before the early 80's.  Anyway I was wondering what information you could give me on how the safe is unlocked, such as how many numbers and what order.  To be honest I'm primarily interested in opening it but any other interesting info you could give me on this mystery box would be greatly appreciated.

INFO: On the door:
"Scaramelli & Co." "The Mosler Safe Co. Boston"

On the label plate:
Mosler Safe Co. Hamilton Ohio, Underwriters Laboratories, INC. Class 2 hour fire  Class fire B Class T-20 Burglary, No. 98412

Thanks for your time.

Answer
Alex,

Mosler began making safes in 1867, ending in 2001.  They made the cast iron safes from the beginning through the 1940's.  Mosler made their own locks and only rarely used another manufacture.  The lock combination could be anywhere from 3 to 5 number depending on the lock.  Generally they were 3 numbers and the dialing sequence would be:

4 times left to the first number,
3 times right to the second number,
2 times left to the third number,
1 time right, slowly to stop.

Based on the info you have provided, the safe was sold by an office of Mosler, the factory was in Hamilton, Oh.  Scaramelli & Co. was either a distributor or the original owner of the safe.  You might check Boston records if you want historical info on Scaramelli & Co.

If the safe had a "UL" label for the Class B, 2 hour fire, T-20 burglary, the safe would not have been a cast iron safe as it was probably made in the early 60's (1960-1965).  If the label was an SMNA (Safe Manufactures National Association) label the safe might have been made between 1940-1962.  If you have the safe serial number (should be on the Mosler label) I can give you a better date.

The serial number that you have included does not match Mosler's serial numbers - question:  where did you get this serial number?

Opening and repairing the safe should cost between $350-$500 and should leave you with a working safe, with a combination.

Andy

Locksmithing

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Terry V. Andreasen (Andy)

Expertise

Safe and Vault related Questions; Antique Safe Repair and Restoration; With over 38 years in the Safe & Vault industry, if I can't answer your question I know where to get the answer. Current Project: Restoration of two Tilton & McFarland safes from the 1860's. Will answer Safe & Vault related questions concerning age, value, restoration, moving, opening & repairing, parts, operation and history. Note: It is not my intention to teach you to open safes or to provide information which may aid in the unlawful opening of a safe. I will not give out drill points or information which I deem inappropriate.

Experience

38 years in the Safe & Vault Industry. Service Manager for one of the largest Safe & Vault companies on the West Coast. Graduate of Lockmasters Safe Lock Servicing, Safe lock Manipulation and Safe Deposit Lock Courses. Graduate of Locksmith Institute. Certified Instructor for the California Locksmith Association teaching Basic and Advanced Lock Servicing, Basic Safe opening and Repairing. Factory Trained by AMSEC, LORD Safes, LeFebure, Mosler, KabaMas, LaGard and Sargent & Greenleaf

Organizations
SafeCrackers International and the National Antique Safe Association ClearStar

Education/Credentials
Graduate of Locksmith Institute 1972 Graduate Lockmasters Safe Lock Servicing 1974 Graduate Lockmasters Safe Lock Manipulation 1975 Graduate Lockmasters Safe Deposit Lock Servicing 1985 Instructor Certified - California Locksmith Association - 1985 Factory trained by AMSEC, MAJOR, STAR, Johnson-Pacific, Kaba-MAS, Allied-Gary, ISM, Lord, Brown Safe, EXL, Mosler, Diebold.

Awards and Honors
2009 & 2010 - Listed in AllExperts Top 50 Experts. All Expert Categories - Safes & Security Containers, Locksmithing, Antique Safes. Retired US Army Reserve Chief Warrant Officer (CW3), with 32 years of total service. With numerous awards from Vietnam, Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. US Navy - 1971-1981 US Army Reserve 1984-2006 US Army Retired Reserve 2006-present

Past/Present Clients
US Secret Service, FBI, BATF, Local Law enforcment agencies, Diebold, Hamilton Pacific, Red Hawk Int., Chubb International, Bank of America, Wells Fargo Bank, Mechanics Bank, El Dorado Savings Bank, many Credit unions and smaller banks. McDonalds, Togos, BurgerKing, TacoBell, Carls Jr. FoodMaxx, SaveMart, Lucky's, Albertson's, Raley's, Safeway, NobHill, Bell Markets, PW Markets. Great America, Century Theatres, Cinemark Theatres, UA Cinemas, and many homeowners and small businesses. Provide warranty service for lock and safe manufactures. Service Area is Northern California (Fresno to Oregon and Western Nevada)

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