Very special Chatwood.

safeman · 2011-08-05T14:18:06+00:00

Not an antique but quite a rarity. This particular safe was acquired along with other surplus bank stock in the 1970’s by my company in Glsgow, and with its twin was sold to a large cash and carry warehousing company. In my research into the history of safes (safeman.org.uk) it troubled me that no one seemed to be aware of such a massive product from the Chatwood factory. Now, after two years of searching I eventually located the only one remaining, and after some difficulty, obtained permission to photograph it -providing its location was never disclosed - hence considerable editing to remove background and alarm connections. All I will say is that it was made in 1929 specifically for the Commercial Bank of Scotland - now part of RBS. From memory, the weight was 7 tons. Height approx. 5 feet.

Tom Gordon

MaxVaultage wrote
I see, I had this mental image of an old barn or industrial unit with one of every single model, size and locking option all stacked up like matchboxes!

Glad to hear the bomb is nearly done, I can only remember seeing pics of it on here in really grim condition. Chatwood’s Cylinder safe and Chubb’s circular door ‘milk’ safe were the only two that ever really grabbed my attention and always since wished I’d bought. Pics would be great when it’s finished 🙁happy):

The Chubb one is pretty boring really but I imagine I can fit a couple more nice Chatwood examples in my study - everything in time - I have to get this one off the trailer first!

[unknown]

Safeone

“so yes the bomb is almost finished (has been for a while) and I have half a dozen others complete”

so………….for any Mi5 or other government security official that has read this post then please read the complete thread before kicking doors in or waterboarding any of our forum members.

😃:

Tom Gordon

Safeone wrote
“so yes the bomb is almost finished (has been for a while) and I have half a dozen others complete”

so………….for any Mi5 or other government security official that has read this post then please read the complete thread before kicking doors in or waterboarding any of our forum members.

😃:

I have no objection to them coming surfing with me, but they are seriously going to struggle trying to kick down MY doors. However I do own an underground dungeon with reinforced concrete roof and vault door to enter - so I can turn the tables on them!

[unknown]

Huw Eastwood

Tom Gordon wrote
However I do own an underground dungeon

Wrong forum! :x:

[unknown]

Tom Gordon

You are only jealous 😺😺

Tom Gordon

By the way 1883 for the safe, original keys for door and drawers, original changekeys for the 5 spindle.
I now suspect that the reason they called the normal 5 spindle a “Best round letterlock” was because they also made this cheaper square 5 spindle letterlock.https://youtu.be/knZNWDBF024

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