Hibbard-Rodman-Ely Safe

Hibbard-Rodman-Ely Safe Company, New York, Manganese Steel Burglar-Proof Safe, Size 5, Circa 1900-1930, Round door with 6 locking lugs which extend through a process of cranking. Door has two 4-number combination locks , 2 separate timelock cases each with 104 hour movements. Wall thickness approx. 2.5" . Door opening 20" outside and 17.5" inside. Overall Dimensions: Height 3' 6" , Width 2' 5" , Depth 2' 6" .

To open or close the door the operator turns a crank several rotations. When fully locked, the crank is "free-spinning". This is a security feature. The process of opening the safe is: (1) work either of the (2) combination dials to an unlocked position (2) While maintaining pressure on the dial, turn the crank slightly until you feel it engage and begin to retract the locking bolts.

This particular safe comes in several (possibly 5) sizes and time lock configurations. The model shown has two time lock cases -- each with two actual clocks -- while another has just one. In operating the safe, you would chose beforehand whether to use the upper or lower combination lock. Each time lock case is dedicated to one combo lock or the other. So, if you used the upper combo lock you would use only the time lock mechanism dedicated to it.