Unlocking the Secrets of Diebold & Mosler Antique Safes

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The History of Diebold Safes
   1. Diebold's Legacy in Safemaking
   2. The Rise and Fall of the Mall Location
3. The Challenge of Opening Older Safes
   1. Safes Within Safes: Exploring the Thick Wall Safe
   2. Assessing the Condition of the Safe
4. The Process of Opening the Diebold Safe
   1. The Initial Assessment and Quoting
   2. The Surprise of a Missing Fence and Lock Back
   3. Drilling and Scoping the Safe
   4. Addressing Corrosion and Cleaning
   5. Unexpected Discoveries: Tear Gas Canister and Viola Glass
   6. Restoring the Safe and Completing the Job
5. An Antique Mosler Safe Adventure
   1. The Appeal and Challenge of Antique Safes
   2. Diagnosing the Locks: Common and Rare Finds
   3. Preparation and Precautions Before Drilling
6. Conclusion

🗝️ The History of Diebold Safes

Diebold's Legacy in Safemaking

Diebold is a renowned name in the world of safemaking, with a rich history spanning several decades. Since their inception, Diebold has been synonymous with security and quality craftsmanship. From bank vaults to personal safes, their products have remained reliable and trusted by both individuals and institutions.

The Rise and Fall of the Mall Location

In the 1950s, a mall was established in the local area, becoming a prominent landmark for several decades. However, as time passed, the mall faced declining business and eventually shut down in the 1990s. Despite the closure, the outer perimeter of the mall remains open, with some stores still in operation. The central section of the mall, where the Diebold safe is located, has remained closed since the mid-90s or even earlier. The future of the mall remains uncertain, with possibilities of redevelopment or demolition.

🗝️ The Challenge of Opening Older Safes

Safes Within Safes: Exploring the Thick Wall Safe

The Diebold safe to be opened is referred to as a "thick wall safe," which indicates a robust and secure construction. Older safes like this often feature intricate mechanisms, including the presence of safes within safes. This multilayered design adds an extra layer of protection but presents challenges for locksmiths trying to gain access from the outside.

Assessing the Condition of the Safe

Before attempting to open the safe, a thorough examination of its condition is necessary. The age and maintenance history of the safe play a crucial role in determining potential issues. The condition of the lock, dial, and handle is inspected to ascertain any signs of rust or damage. Proper assessment helps in gauging the complexity of the job and providing an accurate cost estimate to the customer.

🗝️ The Process of Opening the Diebold Safe

The Initial Assessment and Quoting

Upon receiving the call from the management company, an initial assessment of the safe was conducted based on the pictures provided. The locksmith observed the handles and expressed concerns about their position. It was suspected that there might be forceful tampering with the handles, which could make opening the safe more challenging. Nevertheless, a quote was given, and the decision was made to proceed with the job.

The Surprise of a Missing Fence and Lock Back

Upon arrival at the location and closer inspection, it was discovered that the safe had missing components. There was no fence, which is a crucial part of the lock mechanism. Further examination revealed that the lock back, the area behind the lock, was also absent. This unusual situation indicated previous unauthorized access to the safe.

Drilling and Scoping the Safe

To gain entry into the safe, drilling became the next step. Using expert techniques and precision, the locksmith drilled into the safe for approximately 20 minutes. Scoping the drilled hole, the locksmith confirmed the absence of the necessary components for the lock to function properly. This discovery affirmed the previous suspicion of unauthorized access.

Addressing Corrosion and Cleaning

The inside of the safe showed signs of corrosion due to the passage of time. The locksmith proceeded to clean and remove the corroded parts. Despite the effort put into drilling, the inability to pull open the door indicated significant resistance. With the assistance of another individual, the door was eventually opened, revealing the inner compartment of the safe.

Unexpected Discoveries: Tear Gas Canister and Viola Glass

During the retrieval of the safe's contents, an unexpected discovery was made – a tear gas canister. This item, dating back to an earlier era, posed potential danger if mishandled. The locksmith alerted the customer to exercise caution and avoid any forceful actions. Additionally, the presence of viola glass, commonly used as a form of security, added further intrigue to the safe's history.

Restoring the Safe and Completing the Job

After successfully opening the safe, the locksmith proceeded to clean and restore the interior. As the safe was over 100 years old, achieving an exact color match for restoration proved to be challenging. Despite the door lock's lack of functionality, the repair was completed diligently. The locksmith ensured that all necessary parts were in place and tested the safe's operation before considering the job done.

🗝️ An Antique Mosler Safe Adventure

The Appeal and Challenge of Antique Safes

Antique safes, like the Mosler safe in question, have a timeless charm and intriguing historical significance. However, working with these older safes presents unique challenges due to their complex mechanisms and rarity of compatible replacement parts. Locksmiths with expertise in antique safes are equipped to tackle these challenges.

Diagnosing the Locks: Common and Rare Finds

Before initiating any drilling, a locksmith specializing in antique safes conducts thorough diagnostics. By applying handle pressure and assessing various factors such as style and center measurements, they can determine the type of locks present. In the case of the Mosler safe, it is likely to contain one or two common locks and, potentially, a rare lock that requires specialized attention.

Preparation and Precautions Before Drilling

To ensure a successful opening, the locksmith takes specific precautions before drilling the antique safe. Careful analysis of contact points, smooth functioning of the lock components, and other vital factors is crucial. This step minimizes the risk of damage to the safe and increases the chances of a seamless opening process.

🗝️ Conclusion

Opening older safes requires a blend of technical expertise, patience, and respect for the historical significance of these security devices. Safemakers like Diebold and Mosler have left behind a legacy of craftsmanship and innovation. With the right approach and careful execution, locksmiths can unlock the mysteries of ancient safes and preserve their stories for future generations.

【Resources】

• Diebold
• Mosler