Mosler Bahmann Co Cin O Safe

[james cox]

Sirs,
I own a 22 K S/F building built in 1880. I purchased in 1983 and acquired a Mosler Bahmann Safe. We put in storage. We have sold our building and rediscovered the safe. I do not have the combination. The safe is in excellent condition. The handle, Dial, Wheels all work. Exterior signs of rust or paint off. The size is 45"H X 25"D X 31.5"W and weighs 1000 #'s +/-. There is a Serial # on Handle. (3763). There is a Cast Iron Rope Molding around the door. Also, the way the Safe is stored or positioned I could not open door fully to take additional pictures or observe. But, I could see the information on the inside part of door. In the Middle of door I found the name Mosler Bahmann Co Cin O , going across the entire width. There seems to be Full color Picture both above and below the Mosler name. Couldn't see it well enough to define.
I'm looking for direction on a Value for this Old Safe. Also, will I need to hire a Lock person to re-set a combination. Your advice will be appreciated.
Thank you,
James Cox

[femurat]

The most important advise I can give you is don't lock the door. Don't even close it. An old heavy locked safe without the combination is almost worthless.

Good luck

[bitbuster]

You certainly have a big arse safe. Possible lock in the safe may be a Yale 025 1/2, 062 1/2, or 063 1/2. All are indirect drive. Value varies by region and the 'want' to own a big safe that is hard to move. I've seen them on CL as 'free, you move it and it's yours'. The value is what someone is willing to pay.

[Squelchtone]

I wish I had a big old safe =) you may just want to keep it! I've never been a huge fan of the roping detail, but some folks really like that look.

That's the hard part about these old safes, everyone wants one for their game room or local hipster bar or bistro as a conversation piece, side table, or decoration, but as bitbuster said the moving is the biggest hassle, limitation, and expense. If where the safe is stored is ground level and within rolling distance of a local bar, pub, barber shop, lawyers office, or something similar, I would knock on some doors and offer it up for $250-$500 bucks.

Security wise, it's old technology and not really something I would trust paper work as far as fire protection goes, and a 18 volt Dewalt can make quick work of the door (if you know where to drill) because of the metals used back then.

If you get the door opened more, we can help you figure out the combination, so you can actually use it or sell it in working condition.

Would love to see some photos please. You may upload photos to facebook, photobucket, or imgur.com as a Hidden Album and share the links with us here.

Thank you,
Squelchtone

[Cruller]

A Mosler Bahmann with handle number 3763 was made in 1868 or 1869. The company started in 1867 and made about 2000 safes per year. If original, it should have a 50-number Sargent & Greenleaf dial with final patent date of 1866 all stamped on the dial knob. I would be interested in pictures is you have any! Thanks!

[Joe V]

If the dial has numbers all the way around it was covered above however if it has a blank spot on the dial between 0-20 I have seen S&G 6810 locks in them. Another clue is if the handle when the door is locked spins around and around then it is not and more than like would be the 062 1/2