Mosler Safe inherited from GranDad mfg 1901-1902

[OBG1952]

I sure would like to open the drawer inside this safe without resorting to harsh methods. I’ve been looking on line (eBay, etc) for a master key without success (ie, I don’t know exactly what I’m looking for and don’t want to waste my $). Serial number 160xxx places the safe mfg period between 1901-1902. Thanks in advance for all replies.

https://ibb.co/0tfd0wK

https://ibb.co/pzqXvTk

Jim

[Kaesekopf]

Hello Jim,

I suspect there is not a master key for these inside drawer locks. They are however relatively simple inside, 2 or 3 levers usually, and often tension from the curtain.

A locksmith should be able to pick the lock for you, and/or make a key through impressioning or disassembling the lock once open.

[Squelchtone]

That red plate that says Underwriter Laboratories on it is not the serial number of your safe. It is the number the safe was registered under with the UL when they did testing on it to see how long it would last in a fire.

If I had to guess, I would say the safe is from the early 1960's.

Squelchtone

[OBG1952]

Hello All,
I’m sorry if I’m annoying anyone, but still looking for anyone with knowledge about getting into the file drawers of my old Mosler safe. If drilling out the two drawer locks becomes a solution, then where does one find replacement drawer locks. The safe is located in a rural area, where the closest skilled mobile locksmith is some 40 miles away.

https://ibb.co/wJcmZqR

[Squelchtone]

Hello All,
I’m sorry if I’m annoying anyone, but still looking for anyone with knowledge about getting into the file drawers of my old Mosler safe. If drilling out the two drawer locks becomes a solution, then where does one find replacement drawer locks. The safe is located in a rural area, where the closest skilled mobile locksmith is some 40 miles away.

https://ibb.co/wJcmZqR

Your safe is not a priceless antique, it is from the 1960's so just get a chisel and hammer and knock the lock cylinders out and then use the safe without working drawer locks. You might be able to find replacement locks on ebay, or at a locksmith shop, but you're not going to find them on Amazon or the local Ace Hardware store.

[FranklyFlawless]

You can always learn to use lockpicks yourself to deal with situations like these, provided that you have the time and patience to do so.

[Kaesekopf]

Hello All,
I’m sorry if I’m annoying anyone, but still looking for anyone with knowledge about getting into the file drawers of my old Mosler safe. If drilling out the two drawer locks becomes a solution, then where does one find replacement drawer locks. The safe is located in a rural area, where the closest skilled mobile locksmith is some 40 miles away.

https://ibb.co/wJcmZqR

GWiens has posted a nice impressioning tutorial here for you if you want to find blanks or make them, and have some patience.
viewtopic.php?f=52&t=62259

[OBG1952]

Thanks for all the good comments thus far. No locksmith will travel to the home to evaluate on site. ..too far, so how do I drill out the drawer locks and where might I find a replacement source once I do? I know I’m not sure what I’m doing, but as I have heard, the safe is not a priceless antique. I just don’t want to fudge it up beyond all recognition (and repair).

[Squelchtone]

so how do I drill out the drawer locks and where might I find a replacement source once I do?

Not sure if you saw my reply up above, but you DON'T drill the locks out.. you punch them out with a punch and hammer and use the safe as is with the front main door doing the locking and securing of the safe's contents, and the interior drawers/doors just wont have working locks. As far as replacements.. good luck with that, maybe you'll come across some on ebay once a year, or someone on a forum might have a space they would sell you, but don't count on finding replacements easily.

[98G]

Thanks for all the good comments thus far. No locksmith will travel to the home to evaluate on site. ..too far, so how do I drill out the drawer locks and where might I find a replacement source once I do? I know I’m not sure what I’m doing, but as I have heard, the safe is not a priceless antique. I just don’t want to fudge it up beyond all recognition (and repair).

Why not try picking them before resorting to more drastic measures?

[FranklyFlawless]

Why not try picking them before resorting to more drastic measures?

Not everyone has the time and patience to learn.