Antique Safe with Yale Lock, not opening with numbers I have

[therubbles]

https://ibb.co/vhY1ncF
https://ibb.co/TRPwqjC

Hello,
I’m grateful for the knowledge base and resources in this forum. Admittedly, I am not a hobbyist (although I can see how this could easily pull me in!). I have an antique safe from my grandfather. I estimate it to be from the first half of the 20th century. It has a Yale lock that I believe is a Direct Entry based on how difficult it is to dial when I apply pressure to the handle. The handle measures approximately 3.75 inches center to center to the dial. I was thinking this might be a Yale 402.

I have what I believe to be the combination. It was written on the wall of the garage where my grandfather stored it. We transcribed it as 39 / 53 / 5 R
We don’t know for sure what the R means and we don’t know the dial method.

I have tried all sorts of LRL and RLR methods using a 4-3-2 sequence and a 3-2-1 sequence, also trying a direct open after the final number and by turning the dial in hopes that it “stops”

I am hopeful that someone in this group might help me figure this out.

Thank you!!!

[bitbuster]

Yes, the dial center to handle center does indicate an 0402. The 0402 is not a direct entry lock. The dialing sequence is RLR L to stop.

[therubbles]

Yes, the dial center to handle center does indicate an 0402. The 0402 is not a direct entry lock. The dialing sequence is RLR L to stop.

Thanks for the reply. I’m confused though by the fact that when I apply some pressure to the handle, that it makes it very difficult to dial. I thought this was a hallmark indicator for the lock being Direct Entry

[stratmando]

Strange it Feels Like Direct Entry, You may Have Right Combination. Passing A Number 3 Times, Or Stopping on the Third Time Can Sometimes be Confusing. Try Same Numbers Different number of Time Passing.
When Applying Pressure and Rotating, Do You Feel any Gates/False Gates?
Good Luck