Mosler Cannonball Safe (Parts Missing)

[djed]

Thank you. Message has been sent. I'll provide an update if/when I hear back from the seller.

David

[djed]

Ebay seller responded that he has the movements in both Hamilton and Covington 72 hour movements.

Which do you recommend?

[averagejoe]

Ask for pictures and get the ones that match. Or send him pictures of yours. Yours are completely hooped so as long as they look the same it is a start.

[djed]

Here's an interesting looking one on Ebay.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Antique-Sargent ... Sw3mpXHA7Y

As long as the mechanics work (meaning the locking arm is in the right place), can I essentially buy any brand?

[averagejoe]

No, unfortunately not. That one has a gravity drop bar on it and since the door rotates it will not work. The dimensions are also different.

[Squelchtone]

Just print this out and tape it to the inside of the door, nobody will be able to tell =)




source: http://www.my-time-machines.net/mosler_3mvt.htm

Perhaps he would be willing to part with one..

[djed]

Dial, plate and lock pictures.

https://imgur.com/iX1Tn7e
https://imgur.com/taLejMY
https://imgur.com/R0wk0Eb
https://imgur.com/Dt9o24Q
https://imgur.com/6BOZyPz
https://imgur.com/fVegK8h
https://imgur.com/8KZSfw6
https://imgur.com/MQK9gpE
https://imgur.com/WBsj5wO
https://imgur.com/4WN4hoT
https://imgur.com/16uAT5P
https://imgur.com/TsKXUpZ
https://imgur.com/5DUc7P8

Although I don't have pictures, the lock itself has cleaned up nicely. I'm considering whether to use a brass polish on the outside lock or just leave it alone. Thoughts?

[billdeserthills]

If you polish brass it will thank you by promptly tarnishing again...

[averagejoe]

As Bill said, it will just tarnish again. But if you want to polish out stains and corrosion then let it gain patina again it could be worth it.

[GWiens2001]

Or if you do not want it to tarnish, then polish it and immediately coat it with a metal wax, or perhaps something like carnuba car wax.

Gordon

[djed]

Oh <censored>, that is a crying shame... That thing had to have been submerged time and time again.

The case should be fine but every movement will need to be replaced... A very expensive and time consuming process. I have only seen 2-3 of that model time lock sell so they are fairly rare.

It's official - the time lock movement is toast.

It cleans up nicely but the pocket watch movement parts that were not brass were rusted beyond repair. The spring was also broken in multiple locations.

https://imgur.com/d2WCtK4
https://imgur.com/C0SxmmH

Very disappointed.

[C locked]

Before I left the safe in the desert, I harvested some of the parts "to protect my investment". A few of the parts are stamped 88-1. Does that mean anything to you guys?

At a guess
Year and month of manufacturing?
Or could just be casting number to make sure the parts match each other

I've encountered both when working on old safes
Gotta love the old ones, hand filed bolts are awesome but too much work for me
(Im fundamental lazy... I'll admit it)

Btw nice find... Hope to see the complete restoration

[C locked]

Oh <censored>, that is a crying shame... That thing had to have been submerged time and time again.

The case should be fine but every movement will need to be replaced... A very expensive and time consuming process. I have only seen 2-3 of that model time lock sell so they are fairly rare.

It's official - the time lock movement is toast.

It cleans up nicely but the pocket watch movement parts that were not brass were rusted beyond repair. The spring was also broken in multiple locations.

https://imgur.com/d2WCtK4
https://imgur.com/C0SxmmH
Very disappointed.

If you cannot find "original" parts
In these days of laser cut computer designs
Take measurements from the original
design the part to suit
Get one made to your specifications
I just pray that the rusted parts still show enough detail

Best of luck

[Squelchtone]

a single movement just appeared on ebay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mosler-Bank-Saf ... 1980431992

[djed]

a single movement just appeared on ebay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mosler-Bank-Saf ... 1980431992

Thank you. I'll bid on it.

As it was explained to me, the three locks are redundant. Not that I would only want one in there.