Bench Restoration: Resurrecting a 1912 Victor Safe 4-Wheel Pack from an Abandoned Prairie Credit Union

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 15:20:00 -0500

In the early decades of the twentieth century, every booming railway town across Western Manitoba—from Souris to Minnedosa—had a solid brick bank or credit union anchored by a massive cast-iron safe. Built like battleships to withstand dynamite attacks from wandering train bandits, these safes housed mechanical combination locks that were marvels of Victorian hand-fitted precision.

Last month, during the demolition salvage of an old municipal hall north of Minnedosa, we were tasked with recovering and restoring an authentic 1912 Victor Safe & Lock Co. 4-Wheel Combination Lock.

Antiques on Tyler Ziegler // Noctuary & Musings

Bench Restoration: Resurrecting a 1912 Victor Safe 4-Wheel Pack from an Abandoned Prairie Credit Union