Kromer 14a
The Kromer 14a is in the catalog of 1918. In some generic pages the name was inserted via corrections. Perhaps this was the catalog introducing this lock model or maybe it is a few years older. In 1925/26 a manipulation protection was introduced, which this lock doesn't have. (Edit: The patent is actually from 1921/22. So the lock was probably made between 1918 and 1921.) The dial has 25 big and 25 small upper case letters. "I" is missing.
One of the special features of this lock is that the bolt work is locked like in a time lock, i.e. a bar is blocked entering the case.
One of the special features of this lock is that W2 (in standard manipulation notation) can be turned only clockwise. This is achieved by a springy pin on the spindle and a spiral inner opening of the wheel to form a single step. Turning right the pin pushes against the step. Turning left the pin is pushed in without moving the wheel.
One of the special features of this lock is that ALL wheels are directly driven by the spindle. To drive three wheels with one spindle the spindle can be pushed and pulled and it depends on the direction of rotation. W2 is the wheel nearest to the dial. It is only and always turned, when the dial is turned right. W1 is the wheel most far away from the dial. It is only and always turned, when the dial is pushed in. W3 is in the middle. It is always turned.
So the opening sequence is:
1) Pushed in 2xR to first letter. (All wheels to first letter. 2x to collect W2.)
2) Pulled out 1xR to second letter. (That is indeed a "continue to turn right". W1 at first letter, W2+W3 at second letter.)
3) Pulled out 1xL to third letter.
One of the special features of this lock is that a full relocking after opening is enforced by the double gravity fence. The main fence is longer. It is open when the lock is open. The secondary fence is a bit shorter. It is open when the lock is closed. So after the lock is opened like described above, the bolt work can be moved inwards a little bit. Then the dial needs to be turned and pushed in to scramble W1 (and thereby automatically at least W3 and possibly W2) to lift the secondary fence. Then the bolt work can be opened fully. When the safe is locked again the main fence is moving up automatically. It is nowhere mentioned and it was probably never intended, but the secondary fence can act as a relocker, when the wheels are punched. (No wheels, no pushing up secondary fence, no opening)
Changing the combination is done with a change pin quite normally. Enter old combination, put change pin in, enter new combination, remove change pin.
Martin Hewitt, Investigator Chronicles of Martin Hewitt