Antique Patent Safe, English Cast Iron Lock Box, Milners of Liverpool, Victorian

This is an antique correspondence box. An English, leather bound sarcophagus cabinet with secret compartment, attributed to Houghton and Gun...

This is an antique stationery box. An English, brass tabletop letter case, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1880. Exceptional Victori...

This is an antique correspondence box. An English, leather bound writing case, dating to he late Victorian period, circa 1890. Graced wit...

This is an antique presentation insignia box. An Italian, cased medal and epaulette campaign chest, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. A fascinating and rare piece of m...

Hailing from Gueux, in the northeast of France, this incombustible cast iron safe was constructed by the French company, Bauche, circa 1870, as indicated by the foliate placard on th...

This cast iron safe from Northeastern France is heralded as being incombustible. Dating to circa 1870, the compact safe is from the renowned Bauche, which was an expert in fire-resistant materials until they began producing safes in 1864. One of Bauche’s smaller offerings, the compact size and thick handles on each end make it easier to transport the stored contents. A green felt lines the entire interior, helping to prevent damage to the secured items. On the outside, the highly riveted construction adds a sense of strength to the safe, which is double-walled and filled with refractory materials to prevent damage from fire or mechanical attacks. The front has two roundels flanking a lock tumbler in the form of a star inside a ring topped by a crown. It is unclear if a previous owner disabled the tumbler or if it was designed as a deterrent to criminals, as it is non-functional. Instead, a key is inserted into the roundel on the left, which has a swivel lid (see photos). “Trickery” such as this was a hallmark of Bauche safes...

Rare small iron safe from the mid-19th century, made entirely of thick sheet iron with a front decorated in a wood-grain laminate, probably printed or paper-based. The piece combines the look of fine furniture with the security of an early strongbox and was likely used as a domestic or office safe...

Safe box. Iron. XIX century. Rectangular safe made of iron, with a rectangular base, two handles on the sides and classicist-influenced molding decorations on the fronts and top. It...