How old is my safe ?

[Squelchtone]

I am curious as to the 'as close as possible ' age of my safe ? The serial # is 45936. The patent date is Aug. 1883. Am I to assume it is probably made in 1883 or 1884. The safe has been in our family for years and works. I was going to sell it but am now considering restoring it ? Would it be worth the time and money to do it ? Thanks in advance, Rob

https://ibb.co/1XJ5g9g

https://ibb.co/0f64b6W
https://ibb.co/mXStt1c


https://i.ibb.co/5jxy050/16474650300323210373988436205468.jpg


https://i.ibb.co/9q1K51f/16474652756083135738034554315657.jpg


https://i.ibb.co/Yyb88YL/16474656236528474443945653507836.jpg

[Squelchtone]

Hello,

That's a nice old Mosler you have there! On the handle, is the serial number stamped into it 4 5 9 3 6 or are there more numbers that the camera did not capture well?

Just based on first looks, I would guess your safe is from somewhere around 1905 to 1910, but if your serial number really is 45936, then your safe was made before the available serial number table viewtopic.php?t=62920 , so based on number of safes made each year, probably made in 1885.

Here are photos of Mosler serial number 48645 viewtopic.php?t=62920&start=15#p482348

Squelchtone

[RobBrierton]

Hi, thanks for getting back to me so quickly ! I went back out with a magnifying glass and confirmed that the number is in fact 45936. The dial has the same markings as the one in the photos you sent me. I will get a better picture of that tomorrow. Thanks for your input !
Rob

[00247]

I would say Squelchy is correct. One thing you can try before restoring it: Gently clean it with a soft cloth and mild cleaner like dishwash soap and water. Be careful around any lettering or artwork. These old safes have a coat of varnish over everything and is usually crazed and sometimes will rub off. When dry take a soft cloth (micro fiber is good) and dip it in a bit of satin or semi gloss varnish and rub a light coat over the old finish. It will bring out the colors of the lettering, paint, and artwork. Some will use mineral oil but I prefer varnish as it will add some protection. Now this won't help the unfortunate worn off paint and picture around the dial on your safe but it will look pretty good when done. The original artwork is good enough to maybe leave as is.

Notice how much it improved this faded out old Victor safe. It was in really poor condition. I didn't go over the lettering as it is very fragile. It is now good enough to trace a pattern of the artwork. That is IF I ever get to this one. I should as this No. 6 Victor has the uncommon optional ($10) double knuckle crane hinge and inside chest with the same hinge.