Old Mosler strong box

[Stanleyearl]

Hey Ya'll I have an old Mosler strong box and it have a question about it. All the ones I can find online have combinations, mine doesn't it came with a key, even though I don't have it or the lock! The only number's in can find are on the handle. The number's are 39864L
Can anyone tell me something about what I have???
Thanks

[Squelchtone]

Can anyone tell me something about what I have???

Not without a photo sir, we simply can't see what you have in front of you, and Mosler made a lot of different safes over the years.

To upload a photo for us to see, please go to https://imgbb.com/ and upload the photo(s) then Copy the link it creates for you and Paste it here.

if you are not computer savvy, but can manage to take a photo with your phone and can email it, send it to me to squelchtone at gmail dot com and I will post it here for you.

Thank you,
Squelchtone

[Stanleyearl]

http://imgur.com/a/Lu8YC5S

[Squelchtone]

I think you have a US Army 1944 portable field safe.

Is the key you have what you would call a flat key or safe deposit box key?

Modern replacement safe deposit locks are available, but you would have to measure the mounting hole distance in relation to the nose (the part that goes into the hole cut in the door that the key slides into)

Is your key like this one? https://www.ebay.com/itm/114786772211

The lock body most likely looked like this daygate lock https://www.westernprotectioninc.com/product-page/mosler-daygate-lock

It sure is an interesting piece, and like you said the other google results all show the combination dial with a metal shroud welded around it, those are dated 1940 I believe. Are you hoping to restore it or just figure out some history and keep it as a cool side table or sell it?

Thanks for sharing and posting the photos!
Squelchtone

[Stanleyearl]

I would like to restore it if I can find a lock and key that will fit it!?? Thank you for the information that you have given me. I plan to keep it, its not for sale but I would like to know about what it is worth.
Thank's

[Squelchtone]

I would like to restore it if I can find a lock and key that will fit it!?? Thank you for the information that you have given me. I plan to keep it, its not for sale but I would like to know about what it is worth.
Thank's

Unfortunately not as much as you hope it is worth, especially with out a lock and key. It's just basically a vintage box made by Mosler and its from the 1940's.. Things like this are worth what a buyer is willing to pay.. There is no set worth price. A Mosler collector may offer you $100 bucks because it's interesting, but incomplete, or a WW2 collector may offer you $100 bucks because it's war timey but doesn't have any markings like U.S. and no history behind where it has been or who owned. You could put it on craigslist and ask for $100 and they'll probably offer you $25 for it. If you got a lock and key for it and it was a modern lock, it would not really make it worth much more. If you managed to find a period correct Mosler lock for it (or Yale or whatever brand lock came with it), it might go up in value to up to $200 dollars, but that's honestly just my own opinion based on what I would pay if I were really interested.

Can you post a photo of your key? does it say Mosler on it? Thanks
Squelchtone

[Stanleyearl]

Thanks for the information, like I said it is not for sale. I don't have a key or lock, wish I did. If you know of anyone that might have one that they would sale please E-mail me at stanleyearls71 at gmail.com

Thanks

[Squelchtone]

Thanks for the information, like I said it is not for sale. I don't have a key or lock, wish I did. If you know of anyone that might have one that they would sale please E-mail me at stanleyearls71@gmail.com

Thanks

ahh, got it. I think I misunderstood your original post because it said it came with a key.. " mine doesn't it came with a key, even though I don't have it or the lock!" I'm gonna guess you meant a key hole where the lock is supposed to be.

Good luck finding the locking hardware for it. You could also ask the Safe and Vault Collectors group on Facebook, the professional safe technicians and locksmiths there always seem to have old locks and lock parts squirreled away and are willing to trade or sell. Here's the link to their group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/436191493400470/

Thank you and have a good afternoon, sorry we could not be of more help.
Squelchtone

[sign216]

Squelch,
I give you credit for identifying this old safe. I was stumped until I got your answer, and then the light bulb lit up.

Yes, a period appropriate lock would be best. if you search long enough (it might be a while) one should pop up.
Joe

[Stanleyearl]

Thanks Ya'll for your help. When it get done restoring it is will post pictures.
Ya'll have a good day now

PS. Thanks for the link