Old Diebold Safe

[eceglenn]

Hi All-

I inherited an old Diebold safe from my uncle and I'm trying to find some info about it. Here is what I know:

• The dial says: Diebold Safe & Lock Co, Canton, O, Patented May 23, 1871
• There are some numbers on the handle: "2" and then "47514"
• Its really freaking heavy

I added some pictures below. Here are my questions:

1. Any idea on when it was made?
2. Any idea on what it is worth?
3. How many numbers would be in the combo? (I don't have it)
4. Would I turn the dial left several times to the first number?
5. Will the dial stop after hitting the last number? (Is it a gravity latch?)
6. Which way does the handle turn once the combo is entered?
7. What do the numbers on the handle mean?
8. Is there going to be more locks on the inside?
9. Any ideas on where I can find pics of the inside of this model?

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[MartinHewitt]

> How many numbers would be in the combo? (I don't have it)
Probably three. It can be determined best at the safe itself. Turn 5 times in one direction and stop at e.g. 50. Reverse direction and feel around 50 (can be a bit sooner or later) for a wheel pickup. Then one turn more and more and more. It has so many numbers at it has wheels.

> Would I turn the dial left several times to the first number?
Yes.

> Will the dial stop after hitting the last number? (Is it a gravity latch?)
You need to reverse direction after the last number to get the stop and open.

> Which way does the handle turn once the combo is entered?
Probably clockwise.

> What do the numbers on the handle mean?
Probably a serial number. Depending on the availability of documents from the safe manufacturer the date of manufacturing can be determined from it. I don't find information about this online.

> Is there going to be more locks on the inside?
Perhaps. There are zillions of safe models and configurations.

> Any ideas on where I can find pics of the inside of this model?
You can make them, when the safe is open.

[Safecrackin Sammy]

The hinge finials are different but here is a previous post from 2017 with some great inside pics.

viewtopic.php?f=36&t=64293

Not sure if the inner compartment was standard but it would contribute to the weight by quite a bit.

[GWiens2001]

The weight is caused by the cast iron and the cement they use as a filler in the safe walls to add weight and provide a minimal amount of fire resistance.

Gordon

[00247]

I believe I have the same safe sitting back in the archives. 24" wide, 22" deep, and 34" tall including the wheels. I have the same info and patent date on the dial. My serial number is quite a bit older than yours at 26781. The serial number is also stamped on the top inner edge of the door at the center. I do believe mine is older as the dial and bolt work handle are not plated.





Yes, it is heavy. That is because it is a thick wall fire safe. The door is 5.5 inches thick. There is quite a "brick" behind the lock for insulation. These doors fit very tight and have the "steps" to reduce fire and smoke intrusion.





Here is the lock. I'm sure others can identify it for you. Three wheels with notches to make manipulating more of a challenge.





The inside is quite small due to the thick walls that are filled with mortar. There is supposed to be a metal compartment in the upper left corner. I robbed it for another Diebold thin wall security safe from the same era that I recently reworked. The drawer is supposed to be in the next hole down. A picture of each for comparison of the wall thickness differences.

[MartinHewitt]

Nice! What is this brick? Is that the fire insulation lock cover?

[Publius]

If it's useful (or just an interesting read), this appears to be the original patent documentation for that specific Diebold combination lock (patented May 23, 1871, no. 115,231). Linked below as a PDF from USPTO:

Patent no. 115,231 (Permutation Lock)

[MartinHewitt]

Great find!