It was only open about a few inches, and had years of dead leaves on and inside, since the door was ajar all those years. Oh, and plenty of rust. Can't forget the rust. Even though we live in the desert, we do get some heavy rains a few times a year, so over 25 years, there is a fair bit of rust. Luckily, it is all surface rust. A bit of sandblasting should take it off.
Had to use a car jack to get the door open beyond the roughly 3-4 inches it was open. A lot of pushing my weight around, sweating, and judicious use of colorful language got the door so it can be pulled open about 90 degrees, though not swung all the way over yet. Nor easily at this point. That took about 30-45 minutes. Once I get it here, will work on lifting the door a little bit and working some grease into the hinges. Then it will be time to try freeing up the boltwork.
This will likely be a year-long project. The safe is probably about 3000 pounds (1364-1591 kilograms). The door probably weighs about 500 pounds (about 227 kilograms). There is a lot of solid metal in that door! Those estimates are from my friend who owns the safe shop next door to this safe. The original lock was taken off when the safe was put outside, so it should be functional. If not, will find another one once I have the boltwork freed up and working smoothly. Will have to sandblast and repaint the outside and inside.
Do not know the year of the safe, though I’d estimate around 1900, give or take 20 years or so. While spraying some lube into the hinge, found this stamped on the upper hinge:
It says “J. L. Hall’s Patent FEB 25th, 1873.”
That patent appears to relate to patent number US 136239 A, which is for an improvement in safe door hinges.
Sure that our Illustrious Squelchtone can tell us more about the safe. It has two layers of wedge-shaped overlaps between the door and safe body for better blasting protection. Anyone with more info is invited to post it here.
Will take more pictures when I get the chance. The safe is currently about 25 miles away, so it is not here to photograph. Probably will try getting it over here in the next few weeks.
Anybody with tips for restoring this safe, freeing up boltwork (the door can be opened enough for me to access the interior of the door, so access is not a problem), and anything related to this safe would be appreciated. Over time, as I get this project worked on, will post pictures. Think the boltwork pictures (when I take them) will need to go into the advanced forum, unless an admin or mod says it is ok to post them here. Since the door is open, there won't be any destructive entry material.
Next time I go across town (probably next week), will get measurements and a couple more pictures to post.
Wish me luck!
Gordon
