Identify this Safe?

[xt600]

I have an old safe which I found in a shed of a property I purchased. Unfortunately I have no key. It doesn't sound like there's anything inside the safe but I'd really like to clean it up and use it again. Can anyone identify it for me, and tell me what sort of lock is likely to be used? Thanks...

I tried to add a picture to this post but failed. How do I add pics to posts please?

[Squelchtone]

I have an old safe which I found in a shed of a property I purchased. Unfortunately I have no key. It doesn't sound like there's anything inside the safe but I'd really like to clean it up and use it again. Can anyone identify it for me, and tell me what sort of lock is likely to be used? Thanks...

I tried to add a picture to this post but failed. How do I add pics to posts please?

Our servers are full, but you may upload your photo to http://imgur.com/ or to http://tinypic.com/ and then Copy/Paste into your reply here.

[torontosafecracker]

Even with a pic,


Details, Details, Details, Name on the handle, serial number, sticker from a locksmith?

Kind of lock/s, approx weight. These are all 'keys' to helping ID a safe, I wanna know what it is just as bad as you...lol, so be as precise as you can.

That being said, without a combination or key to work with, this would fall under one of the rightly prohibited topics on the public part of this forum. I would suggest calling a safe tech to have it opened. Just tell him you need it opened with as little damage as possible. You can even do the repairs yourself if you want to save money.

I say safe tech, because not all locksmiths are worthy of opening safes, but then again, many are.


EDIT: If it's just a key you'll probably have it open in no time. Unless it's a rather elaborate key.
Good Luck!

Josh

[xt600]

Thanks, here's the pic. I can't find anything on the safe to help identify it. Tried to get it on the sack trolly today so I can move it out of the shed but decided it's too heavy to move alone

[torontosafecracker]

Handle screams Cary.


But I've never seen a key version.

[bitbuster]

send the safe photo to andy at allexperts.com. he's the site's safe genius. he'll send you a reply w/in 2-3 days.include as much info on the safe as you can.

[bitbuster]

another site you should try is antique-locks. several team members are located in Devon,UK and have a wealth of info pertaining to key operated safes.

[Squelchtone]

Handle screams Cary.


But I've never seen a key version.

Probably won't be a Cary all the way in the UK.

[bitbuster]

i'm going to go out on a limb...a very long limb and venture a guess of the safe's maker. my guess is that it's a Chatwood-Milner or a Chubb. probably too old to be a Chubb. these are both longshot, stab in the dark guesses.anyone else with a guess?

[torontosafecracker]

Handle screams Cary.


But I've never seen a key version.

Probably won't be a Cary all the way in the UK.

probably you are right, but I have a client who bought a Cashguard Depository off me and shipped it to South Africa, When the lock failed some years later. I had to direct a locksmith how to open it because they did not recognize it. I knew it was a Cashguard, but it was not labelled as such.


Edit: Don't get me wrong, I think you are right. The handle looks slightly different, and I've never seen a key version. But don't let location hang you up too much. Safes rarely travel, but sometimes do.

[cledry]

i'm going to go out on a limb...a very long limb and venture a guess of the safe's maker. my guess is that it's a Chatwood-Milner or a Chubb. probably too old to be a Chubb. these are both longshot, stab in the dark guesses.anyone else with a guess?

It isn't a Chubb. BTW they have been around since the 1830s and this safe isn't nearly that old.

Handle looks like a Whitfield but there were so many makers making safes it may be tough to sort out. Those hinges are quite unique and your best chance of an ID. Paint colour makes the safe appear to be 1940s or later, prior to this they were ornately decorated.

[xt600]

Thanks guys, I will try the other sites suggested

[xt600]

I had a local locksmith look at this, he said the only way in was to drill. Can anyone advise what sort of lock is likely to be inside and whether this can be picked rather than drilled? I'm assuming it's likely to be 7 lever lock...

[Squelchtone]

I had a local locksmith look at this, he said the only way in was to drill. Can anyone advise what sort of lock is likely to be inside and whether this can be picked rather than drilled? I'm assuming it's likely to be 7 lever lock...

You did what everyone would normally do; you went to a local locksmith. The trouble is that not all locksmiths are properly trained or equipped safe technicians, so instead of manipulation or owning all the special and safe specific pick tools, all they can really do or know to do is drill. There are good safe technicians in the UK, I'm just not familiar with any in your area. Let me ask a UK safe tech I know on Twitter who he recommends in the Cornwall area, I'll get back to you later today.

Squelchtone

[xt600]

I had a local locksmith look at this, he said the only way in was to drill. Can anyone advise what sort of lock is likely to be inside and whether this can be picked rather than drilled? I'm assuming it's likely to be 7 lever lock...

You did what everyone would normally do; you went to a local locksmith. The trouble is that not all locksmiths are properly trained or equipped safe technicians, so instead of manipulation or owning all the special and safe specific pick tools, all they can really do or know to do is drill. There are good safe technicians in the UK, I'm just not familiar with any in your area. Let me ask a UK safe tech I know on Twitter who he recommends in the Cornwall area, I'll get back to you later today.

Squelchtone

Thanks, that would be useful.
If it can be picked, I'd like to have a go myself if I can't find anyone local, but I'm sure it's not easy. Don't expect you guys to give me any online guidance but I'm surprised at the number of instructional videos on utube.