Chubb's Revolving Lighthouse Safe

[Huw Eastwood]

Here's an interesting bit of amusement for April Fools day.
Chubb's 2 1/2 ton revolving lighthouse safe.
"This spherical safe of solid cast manganese steel, is made to revolve, 3 revolutions a minute, with a light in the lantern showing all is well. Any attempt to stop the safe simultaneously puts out the light and rings the alarm gongs".
Except it's not a joke....they did actually make one.
The illustration is from a 1924 promo from the British Empire Exhibition.
There is a b&w photo in existence of the one made, but is unfortunately copyright protected, so unable to post here.
Apparently in 1944 Edward Chubb was quoted as saying he didn't think anymore Lighthouse safes would be made.

[Gary Stephenson]

what powered the movement?

[Huw Eastwood]

the safe body and lantern top were apparently powered by a motor in the base, so presumably a massive battery pack concealed underneath- 600 AA batteries?🤡