Antique Safes/Expert Profile

Expertise

I earn my living identifying safes and suggesting cash limits for risk advisors and insurance surveyors in the UK. I'm not able to comment on safes made in the USA but will be happy to take questions on all major British and European manufacturers.

Experience in the area

I have been in the UK safe industry for 40 years and have one of the largest archive databases of old safe literature and serial numbers in the country. I started with Chubb in 1960 and became Assistant Manager of their Bank Security Division before moving on to become the Insurance Liaison Manager with the John Tann Group. I became Sales & Marketing Director for Guardian Safes Limited before semi-retiring. I am a Fellow of the Security Institute and Chairman of Eurosafe UK, a trade body representing the interests of UK safe makers and distributors. I now work as a part time consultant.

Organizations

I am an invited advisor to the Safe Committee of the Association of Insurance Surveyors and a Fellow of the Security Institute.

Publications

I have had literally scores of articles published in various security trade publications. So far this year I have had 24 features published in various journals including Keyways, Professional Security, Pawnbroker and Safe India.

Education/Credentials

I have no relevant educational credentials.

Awards and Honors

In 1997 I was awarded the annual shield by the Association of Insurance Surveyors for "..outstanding services to crime prevention"

Past/Present Clients

I have represented or been an agent for the John Tann Group (Stratford, Ratner, Dreadnought and Tann safes); Churchill Safes, Chubb Safe Co Ltd, SLS Safes, SMP Safes, Dudley Safes and several others

What do you like about this subject?

I have always been attracted by the 'cops and robbers' aspect of safes. The industry abounds with stories and anecdotes and after more than 40 years I still find safes fascinating.

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

I receive scores of requests for safe identification and assessment every month but just when I think I have got it all nailed down, along comes and enquiry that teaches me that there's still more to learn.

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

I have recently complete the biography of one of the last of the great safe breakers and am currently seeking a publisher.

Something controversial or provocative about this subject

I believe the vast majority of modern, low grade safes can be opened in a matter of minutes using very little skill or specialist knowledge.