Mosler Safe

[sampson]

I have purchased an old Mosler safe from a old local drug store. I would like to restore it. The front seems to be have been spray painted, what is the image or decal on the door. I have found the numbers 175668 on the handle. What does this mean? Where can I find a picture of the original safe? Thanks for your help!

[Robbin]

Chris,

The number on your handle would indicate that your safe would have been built around 1904.

Most of the art work on the safes were one of a kind oil paintings.  These were not decals, and unless you have a photo there are no pictures of the original safe.

The first thing I would suggest is that you photo any artwork on your safe.  If the art work is coverd up by the spray paint there are chemicals that you can use to remove the paint one layer at a time - carefully, to reveal the art work beneath.  Consult with professional restoration companies to get more ideas.

Afterwards when you repaint the safe, you can re-paint the original art work on the safe.

If necessary I can provide you with some samples of similar art work.

andy