Bought an Antique Diebold Safe But Couldn't Get it Home

[djed]

It didn't cost me very much but I am disappointed. The seller listed it at 600-700 pounds but I'm guessing it's closer to 1,500 lbs. The door to the inner jewelers safe must weigh 200 lbs alone.

I know I could have paid a safe mover but I wanted to try out the new winch in my truck. I along with two workers got it out the door (which took us 1.5 hours) but it stared me in the face and I knew it wouldn't be safe trying. It's now sitting on the seller's sidewalk and listed as free in craigslist.

I did harvest almost all the parts. I would've liked the wheels but knew that wouldn't be fair.

[Squelchtone]

Can you call a flat bed tow truck? May be worth $100 bucks to get her home.

[djed]

It's 30 miles in LA traffic. Current bids are starting at $250.

If the scrapers don't get it, I might have to pay someone to move it anyways so I'll revisit at that time.

What's it worth if I put the hardware back on?

Interestingly, it's a four wheel lock.

[Squelchtone]

Worth wise, if it were painted back to original glossy black from that flay grey color and did some slight restoration and made sure all locks and bolts worked smoothly, I'd say you'd have a $1000 dollar safe for ebay or craigslist money, maybe $1500-$2000 retail at an antique shop that sells statement pieces.

[74TR6]

That is a very nice safe; hope you can go back and get it Check with a towing company with a roll back wrecker; a cash price may be less than you think

A very helpful piece of equipment for safe collecting is a 5x10' tilt bed utility trailer (single 3500 lb axle). I have moved several that were larger than the one pictured; no problems. A come-a-long is slower but easy to control; I have used the winch on the FJ40

[djed]

Well, I'm embarrased to say this old safe may have met its final utility unless the person that picked it up will be restoring it and not scraping it.

I do have a significant amount of the hardware which I hope may be used on a future project or sold to fund other purchases.

I believe this thread is now closed.

[00247]

Sorry it didn't work out, David. At least you got a couple locks and parts out of the deal. I know you have to deal with a different environment out there in La-La land with traffic, space, and expense.

My latest purchase, a National Safe and Lock Co. lug door bank chest, was the exact opposite. An easy location and the sellers son was there with a small forklift borrowed from a neighbor. The safe was out of the closet ready to load. Real easy this time.



My uncle went along and ended up buying a 1937 McCormick Deering Farmall F12. It made for a unique load going down the road. We got a number of looks and thumbs up.

[00247]

I would like to find one of these on the used market. Air-tow trailer.

[djed]

I'd like a trailer also but it would cost me $250/month to store it.

Beautiful safe you bought.