{"product_id":"antique-american-safe-dial","title":"Antique American Safe Dial with Exposed Gear System | Functional Mechanical Security Device | Circa 1900–1930","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical Context \u0026amp; Origin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e United States (Hamilton, Ohio)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Brass, steel, and iron components with modern acrylic display mount\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeriod:\u003c\/strong\u003e Circa early 20th century (c. 1900–1930)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDescription\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis authentic Herring-Hall-Marvin Safe Co. combination safe lock mechanism represents a fascinating example of early 20th-century American security engineering. Manufactured in Hamilton, Ohio—home to one of the most respected safe makers of the era—this piece would have originally been installed within a heavy vault or commercial safe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe front features a classic rotating brass dial with engraved numeric increments, while the reverse reveals the internal mechanical assembly, including gears, cam, and locking components. The original rear plate has been removed and replaced with a custom transparent acrylic mount, transforming the piece into a functional display that allows full visibility of the lock’s inner workings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen the dial is turned, the internal mechanism visibly engages, offering a rare and educational insight into the precision craftsmanship behind early safe technology.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Authentic Herring-Hall-Marvin Safe Co. safe lock mechanism\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Marked “Hamilton, O.” on the dial center\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Fully functional rotating combination dial\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Exposed internal gearing and cam system\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Custom acrylic display mount for visibility and presentation\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Solid brass dial with aged patina\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Industrial black housing with original mounting hardware\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCultural Significance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHerring-Hall-Marvin was one of the leading American safe manufacturers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, known for producing high-security safes used by banks, businesses, and government institutions. Mechanical combination locks such as this were at the forefront of security innovation, relying entirely on precision engineering long before electronic systems existed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVery good antique condition. The dial rotates smoothly and the internal mechanism responds as intended. Surface wear, patina, and minor oxidation are consistent with age and use. The acrylic display mount is a later addition and presents well, allowing clear viewing of the internal components.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions (Approximate)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeight: 5.5 in\u003cbr\u003eWidth: 5.5 in\u003cbr\u003eDepth: 4 in\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAge (Approximate)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e90–120 years old\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLearn More\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExplore the development of mechanical safe locks through \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca title=\"History of Locks and Safes – Master Locksmiths Association\" href=\"https:\/\/www.locksmiths.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/HoL-HC-01.pdf\"\u003eThe Master Locksmiths Association\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrowse our \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca title=\"Explore Functional Tools and Mechanical Implements – Relic \u0026amp; Rarity\" href=\"https:\/\/relicandrarity.com\/collections\/functional-tools-ancient-implements-craft\"\u003eCollection of Functional Tools \u0026amp; Mechanical Implements\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Relic and Rarity","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52812291113282,"sku":null,"price":500.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0955\/1803\/2194\/files\/antique-herring-hall-marvin-safe-lock-mechanism-front-back.png?v=1774621784","url":"https:\/\/relicandrarity.com\/products\/antique-american-safe-dial","provider":"Relic and Rarity","version":"1.0","type":"link"}