bbcci Looking for some info and input on what to do with this old safe I picked up. Unfortunately the wheels were removed in the past leaving the bottom more susceptible to water damage. I had thought it might be a early Herring from the door and knob design, cleaning some of the door paint revealed “Marvin’s Pat.” I can only place its date after Marvin Safe Co. start up in 1838 and it’s merger with Herring and Hall in 1892/3. Can anybody help narrow that range? I had hoped to show pictures of the lock, which I know would have helped…however the door was backfilled with insulating plaster/concrete. I am not quite sure what to do with it. Had considered having some welding work done to put a plate on the bottom to attach casters and try to close the seams up versus having a plate with short sides and wheels that the safe could sit on/in. I do not want to ruin any inherant antique value by taking a torch to it without finding out more about it. Your thoughts, opinions and knowledge are all welcomed. Thank you, Bill
Doug MacQueen Bill, weld up the wheel frames and bolt them on. As long as the style is in line with the the era, I see no problem. Yours might be the oldest Marvin I’ve seen so far and I am guessing Marvin was cast into the frame. But short of having the frames cast, you could have them flame cut to give them some style, copying more or less other safes from the era. Marvin had several patents from the mid 1860’s, one for a fire safe and a couple different flat style keylocks, so I’d put yours at mid 60’s to early 70’s. And thanks for the pictures. Doug
bbcci Thank you Doug, Appreciate the reply and input, the dating is a big help. I am not sure I’m ready to budget for getting the wheel frames cut, but that could look great. I will call around locally try to get some idea of the cost on that. Glad you enjoyed the pictures, here is a couple more with the door in place and some of the newer paint removed from the top. Bill
