Gerald, nice safe, too bad you can’t take it with you. Not that many have money chests inside and original paint. That March 27, 1877 patent was issued to William Butler for the curved door corners. I have wondered for a long time exactly when Diebold started using this feature and now we know. Butler was a prominent New York safe maker (Valentine & Butler) and if I am not mistaken, became a Diebold dealer by the 1880’s. I would say your safe is definitely pre- 1900’s and since it has the patent cut off (offset drive) no earlier than 1885. The anti-dynamite patent was also 1885 and is the free spinning handle, engaged only after the comb is unlocked. Placing dynamite against the doors in the hopes of breaking or displacing the lock and/or timelock became a popular attack method in the later 70’s and 80’s.
I think a fair price would be a couple thou, but in your situation it could be a bit less. Doug
