Wm. Graham Safe

[Philvet]

Any ideas how to open this puppy?

[David Hovey]

Any ideas how to open this puppy?

While this is not the site to discuss safe open techniques. I can tell you it's a Vulcan antique cast iron fire safe. It will have a direct entry type lock. Any safe and vault technician who can identify this safe will have the skill and knowledge to open it without damage. This is a non drill opening.

DH

[Philvet]

Does anybody have any pictures of the locking mechanism of this safe.

Thank You

[00247]

I just happen to have that model Vulcan safe. I thought I had taken pictures of the lock but there was nothing in the computer file. Despite being after 10 PM and being in my sleep ware, my curiosity forced me to head down to the shop and tear it apart. Here you go.






The spline key is held in place with a spring clip that snaps onto the drive wheel like a circlip. In order for your dial to come out the clip had to have come off and the spline key had to work its way out. There is the drive wheel plus 3 wheels in the wheel pack.







Was the safe operational before the dial came out? Was the lock worked on or the combination changed before that? My guess is someone put it together without the clip in place thinking the spline key would not come out. The clip snaps in place quite firmly, I doubt it would come off on its own.

[Huw Eastwood]

Great photos 00247, couldn't ask for better close ups than that.

[Philvet]

Yes, the safe was working before the dial came out, but I don't know if somebody in the past had been into the works of it. I purchested it from a friend probably 40 years ago. My wifes jewelry is in it along with things I have forgoten abut. It has become a challenge to get it open now.

I assumed that the threaded, keyed shaft attached to the dial had a nut on the end that fell off, but I see that is not true. The dial still slides into the hole but I don't think it’s turning the lock wheels. the key must have fallen out. Since it’s been a while I have also lost the combination.

[Huw Eastwood]

Philvet, if I understand your posts correctly the situation has gone from working with combination, to working but with the dial knocked off, but now its also without combination since you've lost it?

It really sounds like its time to get a decent safe tech to open it for you, I'm sure members your side of the pond can recommend someone close to you.

[David Hovey]

I just happen to have that model Vulcan safe. I thought I had taken pictures of the lock but there was nothing in the computer file. Despite being after 10 PM and being in my sleep ware, my curiosity forced me to head down to the shop and tear it apart. Here you go.






The spline key is held in place with a spring clip that snaps onto the drive wheel like a circlip. In order for your dial to come out the clip had to have come off and the spline key had to work its way out. There is the drive wheel plus 3 wheels in the wheel pack.







Was the safe operational before the dial came out? Was the lock worked on or the combination changed before that? My guess is someone put it together without the clip in place thinking the spline key would not come out. The clip snaps in place quite firmly, I doubt it would come off on its own.

00247,

I was always under the impression that this casted horizontal bolt bar was a Schwab design. I surely haven't seen it all.

Would you mind posting a picture of the full frontal outside of the safe. I would love to see the body, door, hinges, casters, and dial. Thank you.

DH

[00247]

I have read that Vulcan did not manufacture their own safes but contracted with other manufacturers and then sold the product under their name. I know less than you, can anyone confirm this? Can anyone date this cute little safe?