AboutTerry Andreasen (Andy) Expertise Safe and Vault related Questions;
Antique Safe Repair and Restoration;
With over 37 years in the Safe & Vault industry, if I can't answer your question I know where to get the answer.
Current Project: Restoration of three, 36 ton steel vault doors and drop floors, in the old Federal Reserve Building, San Francisco.
Experience 37 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
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
Awards and Honors Retired US Army, with many decorations and awards from Vietnam, Desert Storm and Op Iraqi Freedom.
Past/Present Clients Secret Service, FBI, Dept. of Homeland Defense, US Army, US Coast Guard, US Navy, US Marine Corps, Lawerence Livermore National Lab, Bank of America, Wells Fargo Bank, various local banks, credit unions, state agencies, Jewelers, and many commercial and residential customers.
Service Area is Northern California (Fresno to Oregon and Western Nevada)
Question I acquired a safe many years ago and was given what the owner thought the combo. was, but was never able to get the thing open. It is a Norris Safe and Lock Co. Seattle Washinton safe with a yale lock with the number 50755 on the handle. It is 30" high, 25" wide, and 25" deep.Can you give me an idea of the age and ballpark value of this safe.
Answer George,
In order to rate or evaluate 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, castors, cabinetry and any special details or damage. 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.
Send the photos to: andy@securitysafeusa.com
Rating Antique Value is based on several things, such as (but not limited to):
1. Condition: (excellent, good, fair, poor)
2. Age
3. Manufacture
4. Type: (Fire, Data, Burglary (bankers or jewelers)
5. Construction methods: (sheet steel, cast iron, composite, heavy steel/manganese)
6. Size / Weight
7. Art work (original/refurbished/restored)
8. History: (documented with and without photo’s)
9. Purpose of resale - as an antique or for use as “Burglar safe or Fire safe“
We try to be as objective as possible, but ultimately the value is determined by the motivation of the buyer and seller.
Condition is based on different levels such as:
Excellent - Like new / out of the box
Good - Used but in like new condition/all parts available and work
Fair - minor damage, paint scratches, combo's and keys are available and/or doors are locked open. Interior has minor damage.
Poor - Locked missing combo or keys, missing parts (ie locks, wheel packs) major damage, safe has been repainted over existing paint. Interior damage, drawers missing, locks damaged, missing, etc.
The type of safe can change the value dramatically as Bankers & Jewelers safes are more sought after than cast iron record safes.
Purpose of "use" If you are going to refurbish the safe and use it as an antique the value will be more than if you were going to use it as a "safe". The reason being the safe was built 100 years ago, it would not stand up to current fire and burglary standards at all.
If the safe has documented history and/or if you restored it to original condition you could significantly improve the value of the safe.
If you decide to restore it, I have some ideas that will be of help to you, but unless it is a really unique safe and/or you are really in love with it, you should plan on spending more than it is worth.
Remember that the majority of these safes were built prior to cutting torches and/or most of the electrical tools that we have today. The do not meet current burglary or fire protection standards and as such should not be used for overnight storage of valuables such as: cash, jewelry, valuable documents, guns or computer media (discs, thumbdrives, microfiche).
Depending on how large your safe is, you could use it as an interesting conversation piece, or storage and display of collectible items that you may have. Don't be afraid to convert the interior cabinetry over to a nice display cabinet of some sort. If you really like the safe, and it isn't in the way, it could make a great end table/conversation piece. If the inside is serviceable and not in too bad shape, you could convert it for use as a Humidor or small wine cabinet for those red wines that like the dark and a constant temperature.
