by Raymond » 31 Jul 2024 21:41
Hey Bruce. I would not be surprised if the number "21742" was the actual date of manufacture. I believe it is a Hall safe. I say this because I have one with all the same ID check points. (Rounded body corners, T-handle, Yale dial and lock, Wheels with round holes, wheel support system shape, Door hinges, etc.) The lock is a Yale OB gravity operated lock. The Yale OB was used on many different safes such as Mosler and Hall.
An interesting test for your safe is to determine it it will open if turned upside down. If it will then it is one of the older, original model locks. Remove the inner door cover plate and lay it aside. With the door open and the handle locked, raise locking bar to see if the bolt bar will pass far enough to turn the handle to open. A blocking tab was added on later models to prevent this trick.
Many of those safes had asbestos. One of the most common locations was inside the first groove on the outside door frame. I see that your safe has been painted so be aware of this if you decide to scrape that area to repaint.
Nothing is foolproof to a talented fool. Wisdom is not just in determining how to do something, but also includes determining whether it should be done at all.
