None of that would put me off TBH, I know the ‘bombs’ are very different to their other stuff but Ive opened and worked on that many Chatwoods I’m sure I’d figure it out. It would be a personal leisurely project where time would not be an issue, and would have all my tools and machinery to hand. Changing circumstances means It’s not going to happen anyway though, so it’s pointless me getting starry eyed thinking over it!
Looking at the pictures on eBay, the one big thing that would concern me is whether it’s ever been submerged under water. About 20 years ago I spent days opening a Duplex in a similar condition. The previous owner had failed to admit it once spent a year under 3 or 4feet of salt water in a seaside hotel basement. Chatwoods tight tolerances combined with their heavy construction meant total seizure of everything- the 10 lever double-bit lock, handle spindle in the door, and worst of all the boltwork both in the bolt case and the body. I dread to think what one of those cylinder safes would be like if subjected to the same.
