Antique Safe

E Phillips & Sons Safecracker Lytham St Annes

E Phillips & Sons Safecracker Lytham St Annes

We were recently called to a church in Lytham St Annes that was having difficulty opening their “The Phoenix” safe, manufactured by E. Phillips & Sons. Although they had the original key in their possession, the safe refused to open, leaving staff unable to access the important documents stored inside.

E. Phillips & Sons were renowned for producing robust, well-crafted safes, and “The Phoenix” model is no exception. Like many traditional safes, they are built with intricate internal mechanisms that can occasionally become stiff or misaligned over time—especially if they haven’t been opened in a while. Even with the correct key, a worn or misused mechanism can prevent the lock from disengaging properly.

We attended the site and carried out a careful assessment of the safe’s condition. Using specialist tools and our knowledge of antique locking systems, we were able to open the safe non-destructively, preserving both the lock and the safe’s structural integrity. No drilling, no damage—just precision work by experienced hands.

Once the safe was open, we checked the internal mechanism and gave it a service to ensure smooth operation going forward. We also provided the church staff with clear guidance on how to operate the lock to avoid similar issues in the future.

The safe was restored to full working order, ready to continue protecting the church’s valuable items for years to come.

Another heritage safe professionally and respectfully opened in Lytham St Annes by Paladin Safe Services. Whether modern or antique, we treat every safe with the care it deserves—ensuring secure, non-destructive access when it matters most.

G.Lucas Antique Safe - Safecracker Liverpool

G.Lucas Antique Safe – Safecracker Liverpool

We were recently contacted by a church in Liverpool that was struggling to open their G. Lucas double-door antique safe, despite having what they believed were the correct keys. The safe, which had been in use for many decades, was an important part of the church’s operations, used to store historical records, valuables, and important documents.

Antique safes like those made by G. Lucas are known for their heavy-duty construction and intricate internal mechanisms. While the keys may have physically fit the lock, age, wear, or internal misalignment can sometimes prevent the bolts from disengaging properly—leaving the safe stubbornly locked even with the right key in hand.

Understanding the importance of preserving the safe and its historical value, we attended the site and set to work using our non-destructive safe-opening techniques. With care and precision, we were able to open the safe without causing any damage, preserving both its appearance and functionality.

Once open, we checked over the internal mechanism and confirmed everything was in working order. After a bit of maintenance and realignment, we were able to return the safe to full working condition, ensuring it could continue serving the church well into the future.

The church was delighted to have their trusted safe back in service—and relieved that no damage was done to this beautifully crafted piece of security history.

If you have an antique safe that refuses to open, don’t force it or risk damaging it—call Paladin Safe Services. Proudly serving Liverpool and beyond with expert care for old and new safes alike.

Lost Keys To Safe - Safecracker Bury

Lost Keys To Safe – Safecracker Bury

We were recently called out to a social club in Bury that had found themselves locked out of their safe after the keys had been lost. With no way to access the contents and no spare keys to be found, the staff needed a prompt solution to regain access without causing unnecessary damage.

The safe in question was a well-used, older model that had served the club faithfully for many years. Although time had taken its toll on the exterior, the lock was still a challenge to bypass—something that highlights just how well-built some of these older safes really are.

Using our non-destructive lockpicking techniques, we were able to open the safe cleanly and professionally, allowing the staff to retrieve the contents without any damage to the cabinet or mechanism.

After discussing options with the club, they decided that—due to the age and wear of the safe—it was time for an upgrade rather than having new keys cut. We provided advice on modern, secure replacements suited to their needs and budget, helping them make an informed decision about improving their security moving forward.

Another successful, damage-free safe opening carried out in Bury by Paladin Safe Services—trusted by businesses and community organisations alike when secure access matters most.

John Port Antique Safe Stolen Key - Safecracker Manchester

John Port Antique Safe Stolen Key – Safecracker Manchester

We were recently called to assist a customer in Greater Manchester who found himself locked out of his John Port antique safe after his van was stolen — along with the only key to the safe. The situation was frustrating, not only because the contents of the safe were now inaccessible, but also because the safe itself was a valuable antique with both practical and sentimental value.

John Port safes are known for their robust, old-world craftsmanship and solid security features. As with many antique safes, destructive entry would not only ruin its function but also destroy its historical integrity. That’s where our expertise comes in.

At Paladin Safe Services, we specialise in opening vintage and antique safes using non-destructive methods, and this was no exception. We carefully picked open the original lock without causing any damage to the safe or its mechanism. This precise approach meant that the original lock was preserved in full working order, and if the customer ever chooses to do so, new keys can be cut to the existing lock.

The owner was relieved and grateful to have his safe open again, with its structure and function completely intact. It’s always a pleasure to work on a piece of British security history, and even better when we can restore it to working order without compromising its value.

Another antique safe professionally and respectfully opened in Greater Manchester. If you’ve lost your safe keys—whether modern or vintage—get in touch with Paladin Safe Services for expert, non-destructive entry across the North West.

Thomas Withers And Sons Safe Lost Keys Rugby

Thomas Withers And Sons Safe Lost Keys Rugby

We were recently called out to Rugby to open a Sandwell Security safe, manufactured by the historic Thomas Withers & Sons Ltd of West Bromwich. The safe had been locked for some time, and the keys were nowhere to be found. The owner was keen to access the contents but also wanted to preserve the integrity of the safe, which held both practical and sentimental value.

Understanding the importance of maintaining the safe’s condition—especially one with such historical significance—we used precise, non-destructive lockpicking techniques to carefully open the safe without causing any damage.

The Thomas Withers & Sons brand has a long-standing reputation for robust, well-built security products, and this safe was no exception. Built to last, it was a pleasure to work on such a solid piece of British safe-making history.

With the safe successfully opened and left completely intact, the owner was delighted to finally access the contents and retain a fully functional, characterful safe.

Another piece of security history expertly unlocked by Paladin Safe Services—proud to serve Rugby and the surrounding areas with professional and respectful safe-opening solutions.

John Port Safe Lost Keys Ormskirk

John Port Safe Lost Keys Ormskirk

The keys to this John Port safe had been lost during building renovation work and the owner needed access to the contents. The safe originally belonged to his grandfather so had sentimental value meaning he didn’t want the safe drilling or damaged in any way. Luckily he contacted us and we were able to pick the lock open and provide a new set of keys.