Old Bank Vault History and Design

Old bank vaults were often built with thick walls and ceilings made of steel or reinforced concrete to provide maximum security.

These materials were chosen for their strength and durability, making it difficult for thieves to break through.

In addition to strong materials, old bank vaults were also designed with multiple layers of protection, including doors, gates, and even secret passages.

The first bank vaults were built in the late 19th century, and they quickly became a standard feature in banks across the United States.

Early bank vaults were often designed with a combination lock and a time lock, which required the bank manager to enter a combination and then wait a set amount of time before the vault could be opened.

This design feature was intended to prevent bank employees from accessing the vault during business hours.

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Old Bank Vaults were often designed with a combination of security features, including thick walls, strong doors, and advanced locking systems.

In the late 19th century, some bank vaults were built with walls made of solid granite, which provided excellent protection against drilling and explosives.

These vaults were typically large enough to store a significant amount of cash and valuables, often measuring up to 10 feet wide and 20 feet long.

One notable example is the vault at the First National Bank of Boston, built in 1913, which had a 10-inch thick steel door that weighed over 10 tons.

The vaults were usually constructed with a secure entrance, such as a revolving door or a trapdoor, to prevent unauthorized access.

In some cases, bank vaults were also equipped with alarms and motion detectors to alert bank employees in case of a break-in.

The design of old bank vaults has been influenced by the development of new security technologies, such as combination locks and time locks.

The use of combination locks, introduced in the early 20th century, allowed bank employees to access the vault without having to carry a key.

The combination of advanced locking systems and secure construction made old bank vaults nearly impenetrable, earning them a reputation as virtually unbreakable.

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The Mosler Safe Co. manufactured some of the most impressive round vault doors, renowned for their strength and precision in the manufacturing process.

Antique round vault doors like these are extremely hard to find, making this one a true treasure. This iconic round vault door safeguarded the main vault in a bank building in West Virginia.

These robust round doors were crafted with incredible attention to detail, showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship of their time.

The Detroit Speakeasy Built in a Vault is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves a good secret spot. It's located in the basement of the US Mortgage Bond Building, where a 100-year-old bank vault has been transformed into a swanky speakeasy.

The vault is massive, with a huge, round door that weighs hundreds of pounds. You'll need to walk through barred doors to get to it, adding to the sense of exclusivity and mystery.

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The space is lined with period-specific furniture, booths, and decor, making it look like a movie set for a bank heist movie. The owners, Tarun Kajeepta, restored the space with love and care, preserving the original stainless steel and iconic vault door.

The speakeasy is a great spot for private events or meetings, and it's surprisingly quiet and classy. If you're in Detroit, keep an eye out for Coffee Down Under, and find Shelby down under the streets to experience this unique vault feature for yourself.

The Round Door is a true marvel of engineering. It was manufactured by the Mosler Safe Co., one of the most well-known American safe manufacturers.

This massive engineering marvel is a beautiful example of the craftsmanship from a bygone era. It was renowned for its strength and the precision in the manufacturing process.

These robust round doors are extremely hard to find, especially in such good condition. Antique round vault doors like this one are a rare find.

This iconic round vault door safeguarded the main vault in a bank building in West Virginia. It's one of two doors from the same building, but this one is particularly impressive.

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The Crain Hinge Door is a showpiece in its own right, featuring turned brass detailing on the inner door. This attention to detail is a testament to the craftsmanship that went into creating this unique vault feature.

This door is smaller compared to others, but it still boasts massive locking bolts on all four sides, providing an added layer of security.

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The door of a vault is a crucial part, and its design has evolved over time. Round vault doors were popular in the early 20th century and are iconic images for a bank's high security.

Some manufacturers use a special concrete to make the panels, while others use a regular mold and screw on stainless steel cladding after the panel is dry. The door mold differs from the panel molds because there is a hole for the lock and the door will be clad in stainless steel.

A notable example of a round vault door is one made by the Mosler Safe Co., a well-known American safe manufacturer. This massive engineering marvel is a beautiful example of the craftsmanship from a bygone era.

The weight of the door can cause sagging issues, which led to the decline of round vault doors in favor of more modern designs.

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The Lido Village is a historic area in Newport Beach, CA, where you can find remnants of the past, like the Lido Village Antique Vault Door. This antique vault door was recently removed from its original location in the Lido Village area.

It was originally part of a bank building constructed in 1952. The solid rectangular vault door protected the main vault of the bank building. The vault door's clean-lined design is a reflection of the futuristic architecture of the time.