Very little is known about the Beard & Bros. St. Louis safe company other than the driving was Phineas King who later worked for Mosler. Possibly the makers of the first patent screw door, this is the only image of one of their chests I have ever seen. A double or compound thread was used to help stabilize the door and make it faster to turn open. The unusual location for the combination lock is also shown in King’s patent #153,348 July 21, 1874, reissued #7,802. A second patent, # 191,680 also was found. King’s patented timelock is discussed in “American Genius”, with 2 patents, # 216,795 and #201,535. If anyone has further info about this company please post it. Doug
