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  1. #1
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    Default Parma Antonio & Figli, Milan

    I found a "new" vault door in an article about Parma Antonio & Figli in Milan, Italy (http://www.parmasicurezza.it/ and http://translate.google.com/translat...t/&prev=search for English). I discovered this via an article in Monocle magazine (http://monocle.com, http://monocle.com/magazine/issues/50/a-silver-lining/) but you either have to buy the article or subscribe to read it. At least the images can be viewed. I assume this is the same Parma we have discussed in the past. The most interesting images deal with a large round door that probably dates to the early 20th century:

    Click image for larger version. 

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    Some interesting points:

    The door incorporates two thin copper bands, reminiscent of Mosler Donsteel doors. This means one must be careful when tempted to ID a door as Mosler merely via copper bands, though I haven't found a Mosler with this pattern of two thin bands.

    The glass panels are laid out in a pattern that looks just like Remington and Sherman doors.

    The pressure-bar handwheel has etched lettering in the same style as Mosler.

    The hinge-side pressure-bar anchor is rather distinctive, an aid in identifying the maker.

    In the second image it looks like there is some sort of doorway in the background but with a mirror.

    The outer room is rather dismal-looking, metal plates with rivets.

    I'm not sure about where this door is. It's described as "Vault at Cariplo Bank" which might be the building where the Cariplo Foundation now resides.

  2. #2
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    Default

    Nice find! I recently discovered a couple combo viewer vaults -

    Sun Life Assurance Co. in Montreal:
    Click image for larger version. 

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    National Commercial Bank & Trust in NY:
    Click image for larger version. 

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  3. #3
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    Default

    Yes it's the same company Parma. Don't know how many they made of these doors but there's another on their website under the 'Tradizione' section. It looks the same type and you can make out the two thin bands on the door in the black and white photo.

    I've got a couple more but they look to be of the same one you posted with the grim rivetted sheeting on the walls
    Click image for larger version. 

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    Regarding the unusual pressure bars- they apparently went their own route with these and developed systems capable of immense forcing pressure. They were the first to achieve a certain level of door pressure but how much it was escapes me now- the Banco Chiavari door they made in 1929 is extremely impressive.
    Click image for larger version. 

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    Never seen one of their vaults but their freestanding safes are very distinctive designs and we saw loads in jewellers shops and windows when on holiday in Italy in the 1990s.

  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by VaultDoors View Post
    National Commercial Bank & Trust in NY:
    Click image for larger version. 

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    Notice the impression of the handwheel in the wall. They need a doorstop! (Topic of discussion in another thread).

    Do you have an address/location for any of these buildings (other than MN Fed at 510 Marquette, Minneapolis)?

  5. #5
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    There are several locations for the Sun Life Assurance Co. in Montreal but I'm not which one houses that vault.

    The National Commercial Bank & Trust is in downtown Albany. Its name changed to Key Bank at one point and it is now Sixty State Place: http://www.bizjournals.com/albany/ne...-downtown.html

  6. #6
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    I believe the Sun Life Montreal building is at 1155 Rue Metcalfe (http://www.emporis.com/buildings/112...ontreal-canada). The stated weight of 427 tons must include the entire vault, not just the door and frame.

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by wylk View Post
    In the second image it looks like there is some sort of doorway in the background but with a mirror.
    A second doorway on the opposite side shows in another image. In some cases bank vaults were built with an inspection space on all sides which would allow visual detection of physical attacks, with mirrors placed so all sides could be seen at once. I expect these "doors" are actually windows to allow such inspections.

  8. #8
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    Sun Life appears to have a Bandit Barrier/Patrol Space on the right. Others with this feature include Essex County, Guaranty Trust, One King West, PA Treasury, Commerce Court and probably many others.

    Click image for larger version. 

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  9. #9
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    Does anyone know what this 'paddle' is on the inside of the vault door?

    Click image for larger version. 

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    Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K01e_0DOjws

  10. #10
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    Here's a nice (and large) image of the Banco Cariplo door, which was posted earlier but as a tiny image:

    Click image for larger version. 

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