Unknown In-Floor Safe Lid - English or S&G?

[Squelchtone]

Got this lid for an in-floor safe. Looks like the style of the English Dreadnaught safe (now Harry Hamber I think?), but the keys are marked S&G.

Looks like it's had a rough life, but it works well. I've got two questions:

1. Who made this?

2. The back side shows a small keyway. What was this for?

Joe

[Safecrackin Sammy]

I believe that was a Major safe product. The bail handle and the door swirl are the same.

The lock is a S&G 4140 key change.... It was designed primarily for safe lock applications like this but was discontinued years ago.

[sign216]

Thanks Sammy,

Your info is good to know. This lid is a little smaller than the combo Major units. Perhaps this was sold at a lower price, esp since it seems mechanically simpler than the combo units.

Joe

[Safecrackin Sammy]

You are welcome

The keyed version was popular for gas stations in the 1950's and 60's

Might have been an inner door to a two part safe also.

[sign216]

Thanks Sammy,

So that gives an appropriate era. I imagine a keyed lock was easier to deal w than a combo, although the multiple bolts of a combo lock was stronger. Perhaps this keyed version was more economical.

Joe