Old Hall-Marvin Co safe

[km327]

Very long (and not exciting) story, but I now have in my position an old safe which I know nothing about. It says Hall-Marvin Co on it, and looks old. The dial says Yale.

http://imgur.com/rzZYaUl

http://imgur.com/v86MoLX

http://imgur.com/Qh5Qbu3

And obviously it's locked and I don't have the combo

Anyone able to tell me about this? How old is it (roughly)? And where do I begin to learn about safe cracking? I'm in no hurry, but would like to open it at some point (even if it's empty).

Thanks!

[Squelchtone]

Before we help you, please take a look at this section's announcement to forum visitors:

https://www.lockpicking101.com/viewtopi ... 48#p418269

Squelchtone

[mseifert]

It is indeed a Herring Hall Marvin Safe .. Cant read the serial number clearly but based on its placement on the ball of the handle .. It was made sometime between 1892 to 1930.. Based on the serial number someone might be able to tell you when it was made..

just about any Safe Technician should be able to open for you .. Safe opening is a restricted topic ..

[km327]

It is indeed a Herring Hall Marvin Safe .. Cant read the serial number clearly but based on its placement on the ball of the handle .. It was made sometime between 1892 to 1930.. Based on the serial number someone might be able to tell you when it was made..

just about any Safe Technician should be able to open for you .. Safe opening is a restricted topic ..

Thanks!

The serial number is 28 4748 in case anyone can help me narrow down the date a little more.

Does anyone have instructions for how to unlock it, given the combination? Also if I want to learn about the locking mechanism, where do I start?

[Squelchtone]

It is indeed a Herring Hall Marvin Safe .. Cant read the serial number clearly but based on its placement on the ball of the handle .. It was made sometime between 1892 to 1930.. Based on the serial number someone might be able to tell you when it was made..

just about any Safe Technician should be able to open for you .. Safe opening is a restricted topic ..

Thanks!

The serial number is 28 4748 in case anyone can help me narrow down the date a little more.

Does anyone have instructions for how to unlock it, given the combination? Also if I want to learn about the locking mechanism, where do I start?

Based on some googling, the dialing order for a Hall Marvin with a Yale dial is this:

If the combination was 12-55-24-7,

If the lock is a Yale lock, the dialing sequence would be:
4 times right to the first number (12)
3 times left to the second number (55)
2 times right to the third number (24)
1 time left, slowly until the dial stops - should be around 7

info from this trusted source: http://en.allexperts.com/q/Locksmithing ... Marvin.htm

Look at Andy's other answers for folks with Herring Hall Marvin Safes, and you may get more answers on how to dial them if you have the combination.

Here is some HHM safe company history and some comments on serial numbers and telling how old they are: https://www.clearstar.com/public/messages/13517.htm

hope that helps a little
Squelchtone

PS. Based on the color and decorations, to me it feels like it's from the 1920's, but I am not an authority on this, just based on some past research and experience.

[km327]

Thanks!

So the combo is definitely 4 numbers?

In the event that I hire someone to drill it, can it be repaired to be useable? I really would rather not have it come to that.

It is indeed a Herring Hall Marvin Safe .. Cant read the serial number clearly but based on its placement on the ball of the handle .. It was made sometime between 1892 to 1930.. Based on the serial number someone might be able to tell you when it was made..

just about any Safe Technician should be able to open for you .. Safe opening is a restricted topic ..

Thanks!

The serial number is 28 4748 in case anyone can help me narrow down the date a little more.

Does anyone have instructions for how to unlock it, given the combination? Also if I want to learn about the locking mechanism, where do I start?

Based on some googling, the dialing order for a Hall Marvin with a Yale dial is this:

If the combination was 12-55-24-7,

If the lock is a Yale lock, the dialing sequence would be:
4 times right to the first number (12)
3 times left to the second number (55)
2 times right to the third number (24)
1 time left, slowly until the dial stops - should be around 7

info from this trusted source: http://en.allexperts.com/q/Locksmithing ... Marvin.htm

Look at Andy's other answers for folks with Herring Hall Marvin Safes, and you may get more answers on how to dial them if you have the combination.

Here is some HHM safe company history and some comments on serial numbers and telling how old they are: https://www.clearstar.com/public/messages/13517.htm

hope that helps a little
Squelchtone

PS. Based on the color and decorations, to me it feels like it's from the 1920's, but I am not an authority on this, just based on some past research and experience.

[femurat]

I suggest you hire a safe technician to manipulate it open. Be very specific about this and get a quote from someone specialized in safes opening. Not every locksmith can open them.

That said, it is possible for a professional to drill and repair it without ruining the safe. Of course it wouldn't be perfect but a not too noticeable repair can be done.

Cheers

[Squelchtone]

Thanks!

So the combo is definitely 4 numbers?

Not really, the last number, the 7 in the example is the number you turn the dial to in order for the bolt move inside the locking mechanism so you can then try to turn the knob/handle to open the door.

So you dial the 3 number combination and then one more revolution in opposite direction to flick the bolt open