Vintage Monster Safe Back Home Safely

Bringing back home a safe I sold 20 years ago.

[@AdventureCayman]

Safe and Vault technician here. I didn't watch the entire video, but in skimming through you really do have a good understanding safe locks. One thing to note however, you are never supposed to lubricate the wheel pack. The main issue is over time the lube will pick up dust and dirt, which will cause your combo to start drifting, eventually you could get locked out. Your best bet would be to find a replacement lock that has not been messed with.

[@lizzapaolia959]

Big Red safe locks are extremely well made.

[@bitshtannicajohnson6957]

*I bet "Paul" thought it was direct drive, even if he did, why destroy the lock by drilling left of center - and THROUGH the case?*

[@jamesshea4309]

Hi Gary Did you know that the square holes in all the wheels in the wheel pack are for changing the combination to what you want? there should be a round hole in the back cover plate that lines up with them and a piece of square shaft (you had one earlier in the video) bent at a 90 Degree angle, like an Allen key, will turn the locks on all four wheels, you can then dial the new combination, reinsert the square shaft and re lock the wheels and your new combination should be locked in! do this with the door open and test it several times before you close and lock the door. Also, you mentioned the drill marks on the outside edge of the wheels, those are not damage from the opening but are put there on purpose to make noise when the fence rides across them to confuse someone trying to open the safe by listening to it as the dial is turned. they are irregular to make an irregular sound, but are there on purpose. what a great safe!! Jim

[@hilltopmachineworks2131]

Beautiful safe. Glad the widow contacted you so you could buy it back.

[@spencerthompson1]

Your section on recovering the combination helped me tremendously. I am restoring a "The Hall's Safe Co." safe that came out of the "Planters Cotton Mill" near Waxahachie TX that burned down many years ago. The safe was locked open with the wheel pack removed so it couldn't be accidentally locked. It is a different lock design that doesn't allow a view of the wheels, but you helped me understand how combination locks work; I'm thinking you got me going down the path too figuring this out. Thank you,

[@OldIronMachineWorks]

I’m glad the video was some help to you when working on yours.

[@whitecaps775]

The real treasure is those two girls, my daughter has been my most valued presence to my life. Hope they bring you as much joy and happiness. Nice safe too.

[@paulpipitone8357]

Nice job hope you film all the repairs

[@kentuckytrapper780]

Man that safe could tell some stories, great video Gary, keep'um coming..

[@OldIronMachineWorks]

Thank you sir, always nice to have you stop by. Gary

[@krisnewman3202]

I’ll be interested in seeing the follow-up videos about the further repairs needed. Interesting restoration project.

[@assembler01]

I was wondering about the shop build a couple hours ago, thanks for the update.

[@Damariobros]

Just having the silence except for the wheels clinking is very therapeutic and relaxing hehe

[@andrewmoore4662]

Hi Gary - thanks to your video, today (after ~2 years of trying) I opened my Dad's old safe, which uses the same Diebold Eagle #161 lock that your safe has. Now I just need to find the key to the inner compartment (I will), but what a great day! Long story short, I confirmed that you and I were using the incorrect dialing sequence. The dialing method you showed adds an unnecessary "dial a 5th number" before reversing direction to retract the bolt. Yes, this 5-digit combination works, but the lock is designed for a 4-digit combination. Instead of starting dialing counter clockwise, all you need to do is dial "really far" clockwise to pick up all wheels and stop of the first number, then CCW (past the second number 3 times and stop on it the 4th time), then CW past the third number two times and stop it the third time, then CCW past the fourth number one time and stop on it the second time. NOW, reverse direction (go CW), and in one motion, the fence drops into the gaps and as you continue (one motion), the cam pulls the bolt open. To determine the correct combination, you'll need to remove the back of the lock and do your dialing and find out where all wheels are aligned before the fence drops into the gaps, and note the corresponding numbers on the dial. Once you do this, you'll have an entirely different combination, but one that was meant to be, just four digits then a fifth motion to retract the bolt. You and I (and my Dad) were adding an unnecessary step. It works, but it's not how it was meant to be. Many thanks. Your video was literally the only one on the Internet to demonstrate the workings of this Diebold lock and resulted in success. Thank you so much.

[@OldIronMachineWorks]

Andrew, I’m glad my video was able to help you in getting your father safe open. I knew it was possible to start in either direction on the dial in order to get it to work but I never knew the true starting direction. I appreciate you letting me know. To be honest, I have not done much with the safe since the video. I would still like to find an original box that is undamaged to swap out. If I have no luck finding one, then I will make whatever repairs necessary. Again, I’m glad the video was some help to you and I appreciate you watching the video and commenting. Thank you, Gary

[@shermanmcdermott4211]

This video is a huge help, I bought a very similar safe to this about a year ago. Mine is about 2 feet shorter, but its still a monster of a safe. Thanks for sharing, I'll review this when I need to re code it.

[@assembler01]

Fascinating content, thanks Gary.

[@dannywilsher4165]

WOW!!! That is so awesome!!! So intriguing and fascinating. Thanks for sharing Gary!!!!!

[@outsidescrewball]

NO snooze here, great production/discussion/demonstration……just awesome!!!

[@OldIronMachineWorks]

Thank you Chuck.

[@bombardier3qtrlbpsi]

Very nice. Piece of Art right there! Thanks for sharing!👍👍

[@garylarue6501]

Hi Gary: This is fasinating! I have wondered for a long time on just how a combination lock works! THANKS!! Great video! The man that invented this lock must have lost a lot of sleep trying to figure it out! Looking forward to your next video! Gary

[@OldIronMachineWorks]

Gary, i’m glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for taking the time to watch it. Gary

[@TheAyrCaveShop]

Man what a beast … very interesting how that lock mechanism works watch it to the end. Thanks for sharing Gary 👍

[@OldIronMachineWorks]

Thank you Dean, I appreciate you watching it till the end LOL I did warn people in the video that for Some it could be boring at the end. Always nice to have you stop by. Gary

[@jdmccorful]

Great stuff!!! Enjoyed watching and learning. Thanks.

[@OldIronMachineWorks]

Thank you John

[@Amaysing79]

This was great I always wanted to see inside a safe and how they worked it took some very smart people back in those days with out electronic no how. They must have been your ancestors, thank you Gary for you video for this amazing look back in time.

[@OldIronMachineWorks]

I really appreciate that Mark. Thanks for taking the time to check out the video. Gary

[@koolaskoalas]

Thanks for taking the time to make the videos.

[@rogerdeane3608]

Thanks Gary, fascinating.

[@donmichael6153]

The patent number on the dial is for the dial only, not necessarily also the safe. The safe looks like a Miller & Son safe made in Pittsburgh, PA from 1911 to about 1929. The inside of the lock side door, once you remove the screws on interior panel, there is a serial number stamped (usually vertically) into the main door frame, and you can research that number for the manufacture and the production date of the safe.

[@TheKnacklersWorkshop]

Hello Gary, A really interesting video... such a cool old safe... Take care. Paul,,

[@OldIronMachineWorks]

Thank you Paul, I appreciate it. Gary

[@randallweaver7718]

I truly enjoyed this video. Thanks for taking the time to explain the functions of a safe lock. Very informative.

[@OldIronMachineWorks]

I appreciate your comment. Thanks for checking out the video. Gary

[@nappingpup105]

Great video. It was very helpful the way you found that last number of the combination. Using the tape to mark the final position of that last the wheel worked for me. Then, in my case, the first and second numbers were not hard to dial in.

[@OldIronMachineWorks]

Thank you Sir

[@patrickcolahan7499]

Very interesting. I have never seen the interior of a safe tumbler. Good luck in the repair. Would make a great gun safe. Probably more secure than most new safes. Thanks for sharing.

[@thesarge4457]

I've only seen a few large safes in my lifetime and just about all of them, the door was closed, and nobody knew the combination, never to be opened again. We always fantasized that, Gold and Silver were in the safe never to be recovered, I wanted to see what you had in the safe when you opened it, even thou it was empty, it was still a little exciting. COOL video. Thank You Sir.

[@crunchygreentea]

Fascinating. Crazy that it came back to you.

[@RalfyCustoms]

Absolutely awesome Gary, that safes sure a great piece of work, and I'm glad that you managed get it back buddy 😀

[@OldIronMachineWorks]

Thank you Ralfy, I always regretted selling it and glad I got it back.

[@Rustinox]

That's a beautiful piece of artwork.

[@MattysWorkshop]

Gday Gary, great to see you got that safe back and I always wondered how the combination mechanism worked, amazing bit of gear, the safe was very well built, great job mate, cheers

[@OldIronMachineWorks]

Thanks Matty, appreciate it.

[@melgross]

Really interesting Gary. I learned two things today. One is how these old locks work, which I’ve always been interested in. And two, you can fix anything.

[@OldIronMachineWorks]

Mell, you’re giving me way too much credit. LOL. Always nice to have you stop by the channel. Gary

[@johnjaco5544]

Great video as always,thanks.

[@johnpeck11]

I used to work for Diebold. They are still (mostly) in business. I think that era build had the serial number impressed on the handle. Diebold may be able to give you more specific information about the safe.

[@CraigLYoung]

Thanks for sharing 👍

[@frankcoffey]

Glad to know it made it home safe.

[@OldIronMachineWorks]

You and me both Frank. LOL

[@tombellus8986]

Thanks for letting us see how well the mechanics work on the safe. Very interesting and I would like to see the rest of the repair.

[@barbhanson4915]

Awesome video job!

[@mikecabe6127]

I liked it Gary!!! Thanks

[@darrendean21]

Well that was different, what a wonderful safe!

[@kensmedberg1130]

You really had a Hit with this video, Gary ! I had to stop back and see what comments the people had . Apparently, word has gotten out that you have consistently good content on a variety of tasks and projects ! Well on the way to 5K subscribers ..... and I'm guessing that will increase exponentially . You got a little bit of "magic" in all your videos . ...... can't wait to see what ya got next !

[@OldIronMachineWorks]

Ken, your way to kind. Now your putting the pressure on. LOL I really appreciate you taking the time to check out the video and leave a comment. Gary

[@colincrooky]

What a challenge to behold! Thank you very much it was very enjoyable.

[@OldIronMachineWorks]

Thank You Colin

[@tunafish3216]

Great video on the safe.

[@doug3458]

Thank you for a most interesting video. I'd used combination locks all my working life, but never knew how they worked. We had to change combinations on a regular basis to maintain security. It was done by opening the door, then inserting something like a cranked, square section Allen key into that small square hole in the wheel and then turning it 90 degrees. The lock was then scrambled by turning it five times clockwise and stopping on the first chosen number. As I remember, it was then turned three times anticlockwise stopping on the second chosen number, then twice clockwise stopping on the third number. The key in the back was then turned back and removed, which locked in the new combination.

[@OldIronMachineWorks]

I appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment. I’m looking forward to taking the combination lock apart farther and seeing if there’s any adjustments on the wheel packs. I did not think there was, but I could be wrong. Gary

[@RRINTHESHOP]

Beautiful Safe, To bad it was empty could of had treasures. Nice work on the lock.

[@OldIronMachineWorks]

Thanks Randy, but no treasures this time. LOL

[@Jezeppi1]

Very interesting 🧐 hopefully you will do followup videos on the repairs! Thx. Jm

[@MCEngineeringInc]

Cool lock! 👍🏻

[@johnlee8231]

Beautiful old safe. And here I was thinking you were secretly getting all the digging done for the new shop and were going to suprise us with it all done.

[@OldIronMachineWorks]

John, things like that only happen in my dreams. Thanks for stopping by. Gary

[@paulgrimm]

I love Safe art work

[@johntaylor1947]

I restore antique safes as a hobby, mostly bankers safes. I have found on several safes that they were mis-handled or dropped when moved and the result is a severely bent wheel axle pin to the point it wouldn't take much to completely sheer one apart. If the wheel pin was a front one and that happened it would cause the safe to tilt forward when the door is opened causing a dangerous situation so check the front axle pins. I have a un-damaged Diebold lock housing like yours I will give you if you want it. Nice very large safe.

[@OldIronMachineWorks]

John, that is a very good point about the wheel pins. Easy enough to check them out. I would love to find a undamaged housing and cover plate if possible. If you had one I would have no problem paying you for it. If you could send me a message to [e-mail] on how I can get a hold of you. Gary

[@OldIronMachineWorks]

John, is there a way I can get ahold of you. Gary

[@Mur-lock68]

Excellent video An awesome piece of history Thanks for sharing Stay well Subscribed

[@OldIronMachineWorks]

I appreciate that very much. Thank you. Gary

[@rastaralph7154]

That's a very interesting video. I had no idea how the lock of a safe works until now. It's quite simple really but it's precision. People were Much better at making things in the past. You can see how bad technology has got now looking at the workmanship put into this. Even with all the machinery of today the minds using them wouldn't be able to make something like that. Subscribed 👍💚💛❤️

[@akfarmboy49]

The slide plate was remade in modern times. I see rotary milling cutting marks, not many end mill type mill in 1880’s. Really interesting video thank you

[@OldIronMachineWorks]

Dale, I think if you did a little research on these Diebold mechanisms you’ll see all of them have the same machine marks. It’s amazing what kind of machines were out there even back in the day. They just weren’t very common. I appreciate you stopping by and checking out the video. Gary

[@DesertRatFabrication]

Very nice i couldn't stop, cool

[@joe74ta1]

Nice content Gary I enjoyed watching

[@OldIronMachineWorks]

Thank You Joe

[@julieaquilina4946]

Great video!

[@OldIronMachineWorks]

Thanks Julie

[@HaxbyShed]

Nice to see how the lock works.

[@charlesyates6687]

I moved one that size from Chicago to Tampa. Did a wheely on my douly the whole way .

[@Soulman6969]

Do you have an update on the safe what it looks like now love to see some pictures beautiful

[@gregwirt4498]

Nice looking old arbor press next to the safe.

[@andrewmoore4662]

Great video Gary. I have a combo for a my safe with a similar lock but having a hard time finding the proper procedure for dialing it. I could almost determine it from your video but not quite. Can you provide the info on which direction L/R to start, how many turns past the number, stop on it the nth time, etc.? I think I could do it by ear/feel: - CCW lots to grab the discs, then stop on first number; - CW until hear 3 discs pick up then stop on second number; - CCW until hear 2 discs pick up then stop on third; - CW until hear one disc, stop on fourth number; - then it looks like CCW *slightly* until you hear the fence drop; - then CW to retract the bolt. Is this correct? Is there an easier method? Many thanks for such as no-nonsense detailed video.

[@flatworm00]

Super cool safe.

[@the_hate_inside1085]

This is super cool content. Thanks for sharing.

[@OldIronMachineWorks]

Thank you, and thanks for watching the video. Gary

[@bcbloc02]

That is the same company that built the vaults for Ft Knox. They were probably the best you could get.

[@OldIronMachineWorks]

Brian, they did make some pretty elaborate locking mechanisms even back in the day. Way more elaborate than what’s in my safe. Thanks for stopping by. Gary

[@VenturiLife]

That's a real piece of history there.

[@lizzapaolia959]

It's probably to late now but to properly repair the safe they need to put ball bearings in the holes and use a metal plug made for safe repair. The lock should be safe but a newer model installed. FYI, my cousin is a licensed locksmith so that's how I've learned about safes and proper repairs. Excellent video, thanks again for sharing 🙏👌🙏🙏👌

[@lizzapaolia959]

Definitely need to install a hard plate on the inside to protect against drilling. Safe companies usually sell hard plate. Thanks again for sharing your video.

[@lizzapaolia959]

I, forgot to mention you should have been able to use a change key tomset the combination ?

[@3cl1]

Fascinating safe and work too figure out the combination. I was sent to a lock picking school by my employer, if that didn't work we had other ways to remove a door or wall.:)

[@OldIronMachineWorks]

LOL There are definitely other ways of getting into stuff. Thanks for stopping by and check out the video. Gary

[@paullee983]

Nice sharp,clean video work. I also have a Diebold safe but only 5 feet high x 4 x 3 feet lucky that it was unlocked when I got it but no combination. May 23. 1871 on the tumbler.

[@OldIronMachineWorks]

Paul, sounds like you have a very nice safe. I have always loved these old safes. Thanks for checking out my video. Gary

[@paulmace7910]

It would be interesting to see how the internals of those cams work.

[@flashgordon6238]

My father worked security for Diebold back in the late 1970s.

[@jpsimon206]

I mentioned that my safe was very similar looking on the outside. It had that same washed out look. It's far from perfect, but Permolac after cleaning with simple green worked very well to bring the image back and improve the saturation of the colors. Confident you will have a better method, looking forward to seeing what you do

[@OldIronMachineWorks]

Sounds like that might be something worth trying. Thanks for stopping by. Gary

[@jpsimon206]

@@OldIronMachineWorks I don't know if it is still the case, but permalac used to be absurdly expensive if you bought less than 25 gallons at a time. It goes quite far. I bought 25 gallons and have been sitting on 23 gallons for 7 years now. If it is still crazy expensive, let me know. I would be happy to send you a few gallons or 5 if you cover the shipping.

[@davidmasters9793]

Can't wait to see how you make repairs to the door face and keep it looking unscathed. Can I just come hang out for a day? Cool content!

[@OldIronMachineWorks]

David, should be a pretty easy repair. I’m sure down the road I will have another video of the repair. Thanks for checking out the video. Gary

[@btcbob11392]

Yeah just welding those holes shut would still leave tell tale marks and a kind of " drill here " map for anyone attempting to break in next time.

[@OldIronMachineWorks]

@@btcbob11392 That would be OK, because the holes couldn’t been in a worse location.

[@mrsamshouse]

Interesting. I used to work with 2 tool makers that had worked at Diebold in Canton Ohio. The company still exists.

[@markgriffin847]

Really cool video.

[@OldIronMachineWorks]

Thank you Mark

[@johnwilliamson467]

Patented while in Cincinnati . Built Canton . Try emailing Debold about the 85798 lock works . They should have some info on it. Would guess the works where originally oil with whale oil . Watch oil would do the trick .

[@mnmike130]

Cant wait for the full restoration

[@OldIronMachineWorks]

Mike, I’m hoping I can clean it up and bring some color back to it and keep it original. It’s only original once. Thanks for stopping by and checking out the video. Gary

[@akfarmboy49]

What is the machine behind and to the left of the safe, it has large table (table saw) you have a older Lincoln AC/dc welder with crank adjustment brought back memories.

[@OldIronMachineWorks]

Dale, yes, that is a 1400 pound tablesaw. It’s got some problems so it’ll be parted out and I will use the main table-saw as a workbench, welding bench.

[@fibiger12]

what a beauty

[@GxAxV]

Lovely safe! It’s a great shame you seem to have chosen the wrong guy to drill it! They may apparently have years of experience but drilled right out the back of the lock twice!? That’s just poor work. As for dealing the combo I’m afraid you have got that a bit backwards and that’s why at the end you are doing that little left right left thing to get the nose to drop in. First number should start in the clockwise direction and last number is anti clockwise resulting in a final single turn to the right to open the safe. I hope you manage to repair such a beautiful safe. Thanks for the video it was very cool to see.

[@OldIronMachineWorks]

I really appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment. I talked to Paul today and let him know about the damage. When we drilled it out we did not open the doors at the time by my choice. He told me he may have the parts I need so I do not have to repair them. I kind of like starting to the left for the first number but after I repair it I may change it. But I do know I need to eliminate all the play in that lug so the fence will always drop in. To be honest I always wanted to drill it myself, wish I would of went that route. Gary

[@AaronEngineering]

The video title says it all “Monster Safe”. That really is a big safe. I’m surprised it didn’t squash your tandem trailer. Cheers 🍻, Aaron

[@OldIronMachineWorks]

Thanks for stopping by Aaron. I just modified that trailer with 5200 pound axles. So I’m good for at least 10,000 pounds now. I have a lot of footage working on the trailer just need to find time to edit for a video. Gary

[@martyanderson731]

I have a safe that looks similar. It has been in our building since 1937. It has been painted so i have been told since it was painted it was worthless. It is currently locked and I need it opened. Any thoughts?

[@azenginerd9498]

Can the wheel pack stack order be rearranged to change the combination order or do the wheel-to-wheel mechanisms (pins & grooves?) limit where in the stack a wheel can be placed? Are there "old safe" junk yards for spare parts?

[@OldIronMachineWorks]

AZ, great question. I know these are not easy to change but I may be able to change the order of the wheel packs. I will find out when I tear into it deeper. I contacted Paul and told him about the damage I found. He said he may have some parts for it in his safe junk pile.

[@jd3497]

Drilling and drilling in the wrong location, plus the damage strikes me as a safe guy who doesn't care.

[@OldIronMachineWorks]

JD, in this case I would not agree with you. There’s just some people out there with more talent than others. I would not say that the people with less talent doesn’t care.

[@dougmacqueen1679]

Not necessarily more talent but usually more information. I have drilled quite a few of those Diebolds and get them with one hole. And no damage to the internals other than the hole in the case. But this is because I know the lock. Likely that old gent never drilled one of this model before. When I started drilling safes back in the 80's putting a hole up top was a very common opening technique. Not so much today though. Opening that model 4 wheel lock without drilling is very difficult. I manipulate safes open regularly and dont even bother to try dialing those open. I have recently located a larger Diebold than yours that I helped to move years ago. Can you give me the outside dimensions on your safe? Also slow down on that fast dialing. Those locks are pretty bullet proof but that speed dialing causes minute wear in the wheel pick up pins. Otherwise a nice video.

[@bsimpson6204]

Thanks for the video, I wonder if any of the paint is applied transfers?

[@OldIronMachineWorks]

Good question, not sure. But I do appreciate you checking out the video. Gary

[@ryanrosenblum2552]

Do you happen to know who or what the original owner was? i was thinking large department store or a medium sized bank, because that is a monster of a double door.

[@kisoia]

That safe is way cool, thanks for sharing. How thick was the door where it was drilled? Thanks for the video.

[@OldIronMachineWorks]

On this Safe the front skin is probably quarter inch, but then it’s filled with a fire proof type of concrete which makes it harder to break into. I appreciate you taking the time to check out the video and leave a comment. Gary

[@andrewmoore4662]

Looking more at your video - I'm confused why after landing on the 4th number, you need to turn CCW again to drop the nose into the cam before turning CW to retract the bolt. I can SEE why you do this, but I'm not sure you have to. If you turn CCW to land on the 4th number, then you'd just need to turn CW, which would cause the nose to fall in, and the bolt to retract, all in one turning motion. This seems to be a more standard way of dialing. However this means you'd need to start your dialing sequence in the CW direction, not CCW as you do here. Is it possible the intended sequence is CW-CCW-CW-CCW-CW(retract)? What do you think?

[@larryferguson3387]

Interesting!

[@jeffanderson1653]

I always wondered how those things worked. Still not sure what magic is happening inside the cam to allow those wheels to stop in the vertical position. Just last week we had two old boys working on our 1800{s safe at the dealership. I just saw one guy had a giant magnifying glass and the other had a stethoscope?? I enjoyed this very much!

[@OldIronMachineWorks]

Thank you Jeff. Lots of different style safes take different style approaches to working on them. Unfortunately this old Safe can’t be manipulated therefore you have to drill. Thanks for checking out the video.

[@johnwickpick8621]

What allows the wheels to stop are tension washers in between the wheels that act as brakes. In these old safes the tension wears out and wheels drift off numbers

[@keymad4]

60 years in drilling safes he should have learnt manipulation by now, I bet he's a lovely guy though with lots of great stories.

[@andyklove]

usually they pull the dial, so when you drill it it doesn't show after the repair

[@OldIronMachineWorks]

Andy, on some of the older safes like this you can’t just pull the dial and the ring like some other safes. Trust me, if that was an option that’s what I would’ve done.

[@stevenedwards4470]

That's the biggest safe I've ever seen. It's a shame it was drilled. I'm surprised Paul, with 6 decades of experience , hasn't taught himself to crack a safe like this. It's a learnable skill.

[@johnwickpick8621]

Even with the skill it's not practical to manipulate a 4 wheel lock especially gravity fed. Meaning no spring on lever for help.. It can be done but would take many hours. Best to drill 1/8 hole and scope.

[@ottostasi8226]

That was real interesting , you did a good job of explaining how it works . I'm wondering did you figure it out or did that guy Paul show you ? Again , great video Gary

[@OldIronMachineWorks]

Back in 1995 I needed to figure out the combination, it just wasn’t locked up at that time. Looking back I wish I would of did the job myself. I think there would of been less damage. Thanks for taking the time to check out the video. Gary

[@jankro1]

so its only friction that holds the wheel in place once you reverse the rotation direction?

[@OldIronMachineWorks]

Yes

[@btcbob11392]

Now THAT is old American Iron at it's finest.. Just think of the labor that went into building that back in the day !!!!!

[@davislovenails5900]

Wow 👏👍🙂♥️👌

[@jpsimon206]

On my safe, it was very similar on the outside. I was thrilled when I got it open to find that the paintings were in perfect condition. Tons of gold leaf as well. I've noticed that that is common in old safes. Do you know why? I understand that a safe was a large investment and was probably a status symbol but why paint the inside with murals? Why paintings on safes in general? And why did we stop the practice. It just seems odd, most people want their safe to be discreet these days.

[@OldIronMachineWorks]

Jean-Paul, The inside doors are called the day doors. Back in the day companies that would have these large safes would have the doors open during the day and they would just use the day doors with the key to get in and out and they would only lock the main doors at night. That’s why when the doors are open they had the fancy painting that’s what you seen during the day when you would go in to their establishments. Thanks for stopping by, Gary

[@jpsimon206]

@@OldIronMachineWorks that makes a lot of sense. On my small merchant safe, there is no day doors, not even a drawer. The murals are mostly focused on the inside of the door. There are also paintings on the side walls but they are much simpler, more primitive.

[@tonysudano778]

You can weld those 2 small holes up. Put a ball bearing or 2 and weld it. They probably drilled those 2 holes to put a boroscope in it to dial it open. Those 2 holes can be easily fixed. The 2 holes can easily be fixed and you'll never know they were even there.

[@OldIronMachineWorks]

You must not of watched the whole video ?

[@tonysudano778]

@@OldIronMachineWorks nah. I'm guessing you fixed it lol.

[@lynh8378]

Nice old Diebold.