Working model of National Archives vault - GIF and photo

[Jon]

The original model of the National Archives Vault that stores the US Constitution, Declaration of Independence, and Bill of Rights. Originally, the vault was a special Mosler Safe Company build, but was replaced in 2000 by a Diebold vault. Mosler was the legendary company that built the Fort Knox vaults and the Manhattan Project blast doors.



And here we have the vault model being demonstrated in 1954. From the left, that's vice-president Richard Nixon, Ohio senator John W. Bricker, and Mosler president Ed Mosler Jr. Displaying this model got Mosler the contract. The model was later donated to the US government, was lost for decades, and was recently discovered gathering dust in the National Archives building basement, and still functioning.




More: https://www.atlasobscura.com/article...t-model-mosler

Previously: Abraham Lincoln's homemade tool - photos and patent

[PJs]

Interesting design and that you posted this today. A friend just sent a picture of an 1880 bank vault with some impressive engineering for the day.

[Toolmaker51]

Interesting design and that you posted this today. A friend just sent a picture of an 1880 bank vault with some impressive engineering for the day.

That vault door is just astounding, only example of 20 active bolts I've seen. And with all that engineering, the finishes topped it off; maybe damascening, certainly jeweling and engine turning, engraving, acid etching and perfectly fit moving parts. That time lock says Diebold to me.

And we miss PJs...again.