Unraveling the Mystery: Opening an Antique Diebold Safe in an Abandoned Mall
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- About the Antique Diebold Safe
- The History of Diabolt
- The Abandoned Mall
- The Call from the Management Company
- The Challenge of Opening the Safe
- The Safe within a Safe
- The Condition of the Safe
- Drilling and Scoping the Safe
- Discovering the Missing Fence
- Opening the Safe with Team Effort
- Unusual Findings Inside the Safe
- Repairing and Color Matching
- Conclusion
🔒 Unlocking the Mystery of an Antique Diebold Safe
Have you ever encountered an old, intriguing safe that holds the secrets of the past? In this article, we will delve into the captivating story of an antique Diebold safe. Join us on a journey filled with challenges, surprises, and a fascinating glimpse into history. So sit back, relax, and let us unlock the mystery of this extraordinary safe.
1. Introduction
Imagine stumbling upon an old Diebold safe, weathered by time and shrouded in mystery. This particular safe has stood its ground for decades within an abandoned mall, untouched by human hands. What secrets lie within its impenetrable walls? In this tale, we will uncover the fascinating journey of opening this antique safe and the surprises that awaited us.
2. About the Antique Diebold Safe
The Diebold safe holds a significant place in history, known for its durability and craftsmanship. This particular safe in question has a thick wall, imparting an air of intrigue. Our journey begins when we receive a call from the management company of the abandoned mall, requesting our expertise in opening this historical treasure.
3. The History of Diabolt
Diabolt, the manufacturer of the safe, boasts a rich history of crafting safes for countless years. Operating since the 1950s, the mall was once a prominent establishment in the area until its closure in the 1990s. As the mall now lies dormant, a section of it remains open to the public, while the center section, which housed the mall, has remained closed for decades.
4. The Abandoned Mall
Located just 15 miles away, the abandoned mall carries a nostalgic charm. For those familiar with the region, memories of Kenny's shoes, the beloved shoe store, flood the mind. Though its glory days are long gone, the mall still stands, waiting for its second act. Its fate remains uncertain, with talks of redesigning or potentially tearing it down.
5. The Call from the Management Company
The management company overseeing the mall reached out to us, seeking assistance in opening the Diebold safe. The prospect of uncovering the contents within intrigued us. While we anticipated some challenges, we assured the company that we would only provide access to the exterior of the safe and deliver the combination if possible. Little did we know what awaited us inside.
6. The Challenge of Opening the Safe
Diebold safes are notorious for having hidden compartments within. We informed the management company that there might be another safe concealed within the larger one, and quoted our price accordingly. Armed with our tools, we prepared to face the challenge of unlocking this century-old safe and revealing its secrets.
7. The Safe within a Safe
Upon arrival, we noticed some peculiarities in the safe's handles and overall structure. There was a slight play in the handles, leading us to believe that someone had tampered with them. We suspected the possibility of a safe within a safe or that the handles were forcefully turned. Undeterred, we proceeded to drill the safe, hoping to uncover the truth hidden inside.
8. The Condition of the Safe
Considering the safe's age, we were pleasantly surprised by its relatively good condition. The dial spun effortlessly, and the handles moved with minimal resistance. Rust was not a significant concern, given the reasonable condition of this 80 to 100-year-old safe.
9. Drilling and Scoping the Safe
With caution, we drilled into the safe, careful not to damage any contents inside. Our expertise allowed us to freehand the drilling process, a testament to our skills. After drilling, we used a scope to inspect the interior, only to discover a surprising revelation that challenged our expectations.
10. Discovering the Missing Fence
As we looked through the scope, we noticed a significant anomaly: the absence of a fence, a crucial part of the lock mechanism. This unexpected finding left us puzzled. It became clear that someone had been inside the safe, tampering with its components. We immediately called the manager to witness this peculiar sight.
11. Opening the Safe with Team Effort
Guiding the manager through the scope, we showed him the evidence of tampering—a lock without a fence. Together, we endeavored to open the safe. With careful manipulation of the handles and a combined effort, two men managed to pry the corroded doors open. It was a testament to the strength and determination required to crack open an ancient safe.
12. Unusual Findings Inside the Safe
Upon successfully opening the safe, we discovered a few intriguing items within. Among them was a tear gas canister, a relic of the past with potential dangers. Carefully, we advised the manager to handle it gingerly, explaining its potential hazards. Additionally, we found vials of violet glass, a common feature in safes of that era.
13. Repairing and Color Matching
Our job extended beyond opening the safe, as we took it upon ourselves to repair the damage caused by drilling. Despite the challenges posed by the safe's age, we meticulously color-matched the repaired area to blend seamlessly with the rest. The restoration process ensured that the safe retained its antique charm, even after our intervention.
14. Conclusion
In conclusion, the journey to unlock the secrets of the antique Diebold safe was filled with surprises, challenges, and historical significance. The experience showcased our expertise in handling such tasks and provided a glimpse into a bygone era. If you ever find yourself faced with a seemingly impenetrable safe, don't hesitate to call HKS Systems Lock and Safe. We'll be there to unravel the mysteries of the past.
Highlights:
- Unlocking the mystery of an antique Diebold safe hidden within an abandoned mall.
- Challenging the notorious reputation of Diebold safes with expertise and determination.
- Discovering the absence of a fence, raising questions about previous tampering.
- The team effort required to pry open the corroded doors and uncover the surprises within.
- Navigating the unexpected find of tear gas canisters and vials of violet glass.
- Meticulously repairing and color-matching the safe to preserve its historical charm.
FAQ:
Q: How old was the Diebold safe?
A: The safe is estimated to have been around 80 to 100 years old.
Q: Is it common to find safes within safes?
A: While it is not uncommon, in this case, the safe did not house a secondary safe within.
Q: What were the unusual items found inside the safe?
A: Among the findings were tear gas canisters and vials of violet glass, offering a glimpse into the past.
Q: How was the damage caused by drilling repaired?
A: The damaged area was meticulously repaired and color-matched to preserve the safe's antique aesthetic.
