Discovered small safe in wall of house

[Squelchtone]

Hi,
We've just discovered this wall safe in the wall of our 1930's semi in the UK - any suggestions of how to get into it without an angle grinder?
Regards
Lee

[MartinHewitt]

With wire picks.

[Squelchtone]

Here is the direct address to the actual photo: https://i.imgur.com/KP0NVbJ.jpg

that is what the [image] command requires to show inline images....

like this:

[hutchinson_lee]

Thanks Martin and Squelchtone - I've ordered a Souber, 12 piece, mortice pick set

[MartinHewitt]

I was thinking about something like that;
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VSY11DZ7KeU

[sign216]

Is there an easy way to tell if this lock is warded, or pin tumbler?

I recognize that modern construction is mainly pin tumbler, but If it's old enough, it could be a warded lock. Especially if it's in England.

Joe

[femurat]

Sign216, with a keyhole like that one is not a pin tumbler. May be warded but I doubt. I think it's a lever lock.

Lee, 99,9% of safes left in old houses are empty. Just saying.

Cheers

[MartinHewitt]

A lot of information can be gained by looking into the key hole. Unlikely wardings can be seen and also things like the position of the bolt plate.

Femurat, you forgot the dead spiders!

[GWiens2001]

Femurat, you forgot the dead spiders!

And a slip of paper with the combination of the safe if it has a combination lock.

Gordon

[MartinHewitt]

With old safes it can also be the key of a key safe as they were selflocking.

[sign216]

Sign216, with a keyhole like that one is not a pin tumbler. May be warded but I doubt. I think it's a lever lock.

Lee, 99,9% of safes left in old houses are empty. Just saying.

Cheers

Thanks, Femurat.

Although it may be empty, everyone knows the lure of solving the challenge.

Joe

[jbrint]

If that were found in a wall in my home, it would haunt me like a ghost until it was opened and I knew for sure. The one you walk away from is full of cash and rare jewels. Always.

[femurat]

I know, right? I said it's empty. I never said not to open it. Just do it for the challenge!

Cheers

[petemoss]

It's going to be really disappointing if you finally get it open only to discover that it isn't a safe at all but an access cover for a water cut off valve. Good luck.

-Petemoss

[GWiens2001]

It's going to be really disappointing if you finally get it open only to discover that it isn't a safe at all but an access cover for a water cut off valve. Good luck.

-Petemoss

That would be just my luck. I’d take the lock off and use it for another purpose if that happened.

Gordon