chubb safe no32

[Tom Gordon]

I didn't have the Tann records, they binned them before I could copy them unfortunately, because of this since Mary left I had been pestering them for the records on microfiche to ensure they didn't also get slung. Whilst down on some training recently I managed to find them and borrow with the intention of copying them, but unfortunately they have now taken them back.
there were hobbs hart, chatwood, milner and chubb records. I will see if I can find anything out from your serial number.

You are right it was “Commercial” not “County” but the relevant thing was that it started with a “c” because I think that is a “CB” Chatwood - 7 tonnes and 15 inch doors - do you still have it? Made about 1933

[Huw Eastwood]

I never tire of seeing those CB Quality Chatwoods. Safeman I think we owe yourself for most and probably all of the pictures ever released of those. Had you not posted that 'very special chatwood' thread years ago it would, for me, have forever remained just a listing in the gradings tables of your Tann safe book. To actually see the photos is amazing, nothing even comes close.

[safeman]

I never tire of seeing those CB Quality Chatwoods. Safeman I think we owe yourself for most and probably all of the pictures ever released of those. Had you not posted that 'very special chatwood' thread years ago it would, for me, have forever remained just a listing in the gradings tables of your Tann safe book. To actually see the photos is amazing, nothing even comes close.

Thank you for your kind words Huw.

I am a rubbish researcher as I have no filing system or references but fortunately my memory keeps going. This reminds me that I have a piece on the Special Diamond specification which is from the Chapter on my Safeman website called Scrapbook, and covers the Chatwood range.

I've just noticed it has the wrong heading - Treasury not Diamond.

Regrettably the section following which was intended to list all the Milner products has hit a major problem transferring it to the web which I hope to tackle when I can replace my web software.

[safeman]

You are right it was “Commercial” not “County” but the relevant thing was that it started with a “c” because I think that is a “CB” Chatwood - 7 tonnes and 15 inch doors - do you still have it? Made about 1933

Sadly Tom this safe only passed through my hands at John Tann (Scotland) in the 1970's. At the time I had no interest from an archaeological point of view in the safe and it was sold on.

It wasn't until 40 years later when I was researching for my websites that I decided to try and find one. I had a vague recollection of a Glasgow Cash & Carry from which starting point I eventually traced this safe and with much difficulty obtained permission to photograph it providing all background detail was removed. I did note the serial number though.

This is a picture of another which is still in a Bank and too difficult to remove without part demolition! Worn pivots have caused serious binding of the door as can be seen from some rough remedial work. Who would ever have thought that safe doors required lubrication?