Antique Dexter Safe

[Btuchman]

I just refurbished my old Dexter Home Safe. I been googling it for info on manufacturing, date of manufacture etc. Nothing comes up at all. I finally came across this site and joined. I used to sell locksmith tools and supplies long ago and have picked lock in the past. I will now be honing my skills.
But I do have a question. Can anyone tell me anything about this old safe?
Thanks
Bruce

[MartinHewitt]

Hi Bruce, Easy questions, difficult answers.

I am not aware of any Dexter safes, only of Dexter safe locks. These were installed in Herring, Farrel and Herring-Farrel safes. Your dial might have patent date imprints, which give the earliest possible date, but usually stuff is older than this. From appearance I would guess the Herring, Farrel and Herring-Farrel safes are all pre 1900 and according to patent date it seems they can even be 1850s.

[Btuchman]

So it would make sense that only the locking mechanism is Dexter. I will look up the safes you mention. Thanks
Bruce

[MartinHewitt]

Yes, this is what I do expect.

[Btuchman]

[MartinHewitt]

This is a patent for a safe lock with that date:
https://patents.google.com/patent/US941 ... q=US94156A

Recognizing anything?

[Btuchman]

Very interesting. That seems to be the lock patent. But there is no way to zero in on the manufacturer of the actual safe. Great research on your part. Thank you.

[Squelchtone]

I just refurbished my old Dexter Home Safe. I been googling it for info on manufacturing, date of manufacture etc. Nothing comes up at all. I finally came across this site and joined. I used to sell locksmith tools and supplies long ago and have picked lock in the past. I will now be honing my skills.
But I do have a question. Can anyone tell me anything about this old safe?
Thanks
Bruce

Is there a photo of the safe in this thread that I am not seeing? Would be easier to tell you about it if we could see some photos.

[Btuchman]

https://ibb.co/NK5Vj7V
https://ibb.co/94cM3zL
https://ibb.co/RYMT4FT

[Btuchman]

It worked. Thanks

[Squelchtone]

Not doing well at uploading photos

I got ya..

[Squelchtone]

MartinHewitt is spot on with the ID.

It is a Herring/Herring Farrel based on the casting in the castor supports.

[Btuchman]

That seem like it. I did not see any markings on the casters but will double check tomorrow. Great information. Thank you both.

[Squelchtone]

I wonder if they got moved and the casting is on the back supports.

Here's another safe like it:




This one seems to also not have the names cast into the supports:

[Btuchman]

I checked all 4 casters and there are no markings at all. Thanks