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Thread ID: 57729	2005-05-11 01:29:00	Old POSB Moneybox	rny (6943)	PC World Chat

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
354067	2005-05-11 01:29:00	We have an old Post Office Savings Bank Moneybox, you know the one, in the shape of a small book that you have to take into the bank to have opened. The problem is, it needs to be emptied and our local ANZ who took over Postbank, no longer have a key to get it opened. A locksmith has told us that we would need to break it open, this is NOT an option. My wife has had this since she was born, she will not let me say how long ago that was, suffice to say it was pre 1960. We do not want to destroy it as it is a 1956 Southland Centenial issue, and is probably worth more than the huge amount of sentimental value she has on it. Does anyone know of a way to get it opened, or perhaps where to get a key, or even suggest a good locksmith who may be able to help. Thanks, Earnie.	rny (6943)
354068	2005-05-11 02:15:00	I remember as a child getting the flat edge of a stapler caught in the teeth trying to extract the cash. A quick look at Trade Me shows that they tend to sell for up to $15 so the sentimental value probably outweighs the actual value. Perhaps go to the ANZ site and send an email to the help desk? Alternatively, if you are looking for a locksmith - what part of the world do you reside in?	Mercury (1316)
354069	2005-05-11 02:37:00	The lock won't be very sophisticated. Any competent locksmith will be able to pick it. But they will charge for it. The only time I've had this done, it cost me $20 (including 1 key to fit). But that was a few years ago. Your locksmith might have felt that it's not worth that much. You might be able to do it yourself. A library might have a few books about locksmithing. There used to be a very good downloadable manual on lockpicking on the MIT web site.	Graham L (2)
354070	2005-05-11 05:20:00	Thanks Graham, are we now to have a forum of expert lock pickers? Interestingly enough Google is full of advice on how to pick locks. Apparently people enjoy the puzzle of it over more mundane puzzles like jigsaws. I can just imagine the reaction to this one - Interview with prospective boss or stranger at a party: "What are your hobbies?" "Oh, I pick locks" Try How Stuff Works (home.howstuffworks.com) Now, where did I put my old PO box..	Mercury (1316)
354071	2005-05-11 09:11:00	We have an old Post Office Savings Bank Moneybox, you know the one, in the shape of a small book that you have to take into the bank to have opened. The problem is, it needs to be emptied. Why empty it at all? A good proportion of the sentimental value is wrapped up in the old coins inside. That's what gives it authenticity and family value, especially if your wife remembers putting her money into it as a child. Enjoy it as it is. Cheers Billy 8-{)	Billy T (70)
354072	2005-05-11 11:45:00	You could empty it the good old fashioned way...... Shake the money back out of the slot, as kids we used to do that all the time and even turned it into somewhat of a game, trying to guess the denomination of the next coin that would fall out. My parents could never work out what happened to the 1 & 2 pieces they used to give me when I younger and they would be missing the next day. I think I probabaly used to post them thru the cracks in the wooden floor. If anyone lives in Christchurch I'll give you the address to go for a crawl under the house :o	EX-WESTY (221)
354073	2005-05-11 11:52:00	Ah Ex-Westy - but the POSB had TEETH. Coins separated the teeth one way only. Once coins were it there you'd had it. Only way to see them again was go to the Post Office.	Mercury (1316)
354074	2005-05-12 09:07:00	My brother & I had those money boxes when we were kids. I remember clearly, getting a right royal hiding when I was caught pinching money out of his one. Yes it could be done. Two thin flexible dinner knives, slip them thro the teeth, trap a coin in between the knives, draw slowly out, easing thro the teeth. Yes it DID work. Naughty PJ :blush: :horrified	Poppa John (284)
354075	2005-05-13 02:12:00	Update. :thumbs: :thumbs: :thumbs: Thanks for all your replies and memories. We have been able to find a small locksmithing bussiness here in Invercargill who not only got it opened undamaged, but also made us a key, all for only $10.00. I cannot say enough about how much help we were able to get from these guys, would it be improper to name them? as this sort of service is unfortuatley becoming rare. Earnie.	rny (6943)
354076	2005-05-13 09:30:00	And how much cash did you extract from it? Any highly valuable coins? I went looking for mine and couldn't find it. It will be here somewhere but unfortunately not in the places I thought it was.	Mercury (1316)
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