French Iron Floor Safe

View Similar Items

Wrought Iron Wine Safe

18th Century Studded Safe, France

18th Century Black French Iron Safe, Antique Cassa Forte

Early 19th century painted iron safe

Early 19th Century French Wrought Iron Hobnail Studded Safe Dated 1838

French Panetière Bread Safe, c. 1850

18th Century Wrought Iron Italian Antique Hobnail Safe Strong Box Bar Cabinet

French Antique Solid Wrought Iron Red Safe Box with Marble Top, circa 1900

19th Century French Carved Painted Wood and Polished Iron Safe with Combination

A Mahogany Safe Cabinet with Integral Chubb Safe

About the Item

A marvel of mechanical complexity and exceptional craftsmanship, this fully functioning French hobnail safe was one of the most secure means by which valuables could be stored in the 19th century. Weighing nearly 700 pounds, the iron structure is covered with thick iron plates, polished iron straps and "hobnail" rivets as well as decorative iron mounts that are both striking and beautiful. The locking mechanism is marvelously complex, utilizing hidden keyholes and a total of three keys that must be manipulated precisely to open the safe successfully. Once open, one can view the exposed mechanism on the door's interior. A series of iron flowers and neoclassical decorative medallions adorn the exterior; two depicting lions' heads rest atop Ionic columns and a large, central medallion cast with the image of a cherubic child drinking from a pitcher. The keyholes are ingeniously hidden behind unassuming latch doors that are accessed by pushing an inconspicuous button. After that, one must know the precise way in which to manipulate the unique keys to successfully gain access to the safe's precious contents. Due to its complexity, it would have required upwards of three individuals to be present at one time (one for each key) in order to open the safe and access its contents, making it one of the most secure safes of its age. Manufactured by Magaud de Charf in Marseilles, France, it is one of the very few floor safes of this size and complexity still in existence. Both its large dimensions and its decorative detail are clear indications that this safe was made by a highly skilled metalsmith and commissioned by an individual of import. Stamped "Charf/Breveté/Marseille", circa 1830 Measures: 33 1/2" wide x 23 3/4" deep x 48 1/2" high.

Dimensions:
Height: 48.5 in (123.19 cm)Width: 33.5 in (85.09 cm)Depth: 23.75 in (60.33 cm)
Style:
Baroque (In the Style Of)
Materials and Techniques:
Iron
Place of Origin:
France
Period:
19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1830
Condition:
Refinished. Routine Maintenance and upkeep.
Seller Location:
New Orleans, LA
Reference Number:
Seller: 31-19271stDibs: LU891122598582

More From This Seller

View All

18th-Century Tabletop Italian Iron Safe

Located in New Orleans, LA

Italian Tabletop Safe 18th century This remarkable 18th-century tabletop safe represents an exceptional fusion of security innovation and decorative metalwork. Constructed of robust...

Category

Antique 18th Century Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Iron

18th-Century Tabletop Italian Iron Safe

$48,500

Louis XIV Inspired French Linen Press

Located in New Orleans, LA

Enveloped in sumptuous parquetry and doré bronze, this majestic Louis XIV inspired French linen press displays the characteristics of superior craftsmanship and luxurious design seen in the creations of the iconic Françios Linke. Crafted of sumptuous kingwood, the glorious parquetry door opens to reveal six compartments used to store linens, such as those for the bedroom or even the dining table. The masterful woodwork is flawlessly balanced by intricate doré bronze mounts in the form of Neoclassical floral swags, garlands, plumes and acanthus scrolls. The delicately spiraled doré bronze feet give the cabinet a sense of lightness and balance. Enhanced by a beautiful rouge marble top, this elegant linen press is an excellent example of late 19th century French furniture...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XIV Linen Presses

Materials

Bronze

Louis XIV Inspired French Linen Press

$88,500

19th Century French Secrétaire by Durand

By Gervais Durand

Located in New Orleans, LA

Superior craftsmanship and intricate marquetry characterize this rare secrétaire by Gervais-Maximilien-Eugène Durand, one of the most popular French ébénistes of the 19th century. Th...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Secretaires

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

19th Century French Secrétaire by Durand

$29,850

19th Century French Vitrine by Francois Linke

By François Linke

Located in New Orleans, LA

This rare and stunning vitrine was crafted by the illustrious French ébéniste François Linke. A master of the Louis XVI style, Linke was renowned for his highly original designs t...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Rococo Vitrines

Materials

Bronze

19th Century French Vitrine by Francois Linke

$19,850

Mahogany Bureau Cabinet After Thomas Chippendale

By Thomas Chippendale

Located in New Orleans, LA

This extraordinary Irish bureau cabinet was crafted based on a design for a desk and bookcase drawn from Thomas Chippendale’s famed 1762 edition of The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's ...

Category

Antique 18th Century Irish Chippendale Cabinets

Materials

Mirror, Mahogany

Mahogany Bureau Cabinet After Thomas Chippendale

$64,500

English Upright Cane Cabinet

Located in New Orleans, LA

This English cane cabinet exhibits classical style and impeccable design. Crafted of lustrous Cuban mahogany, this upright case features a beautifully paneled door which opens to rev...

Category

Antique 19th Century English Cabinets

Materials

Brass

English Upright Cane Cabinet

$28,500

Vintage 1930s Argentine Dry Bars

Materials

Wrought Iron

Wrought Iron Wine Safe

$1,250

Wrought Iron Wine Safe

Located in Round Top, TX

Wrought iron multi bottle wine safe. Hangs on wall or sits on floor.

Category

Vintage 1930s Argentine Cupboards

Materials

Wrought Iron

Wrought Iron Wine Safe

$1,350

Wrought Iron Wine Safe

Located in Round Top, TX

Wrought iron multi bottle wine safe. Hangs on wall or sits on floor.

Category

Vintage 1930s Argentine Cabinets

Materials

Wrought Iron

Wrought Iron Wine Safe

$1,250

18th Century Studded Safe, France

Located in Washington, DC

Antique Hand-Made French Studded Safe. France, circa 1740. Heavy in weight and pre-French Revolution private safe from Marseilles, France.

Category

Antique 1740s French Baroque Cabinets

Materials

Iron

18th Century Studded Safe, France

$17,500

18th Century Black French Iron Safe, Antique Cassa Forte

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A large, antique single-door safe or cassa forte made of hand crafted iron with rivets and bands on the surface and palmettes and rocaille decorations on the front, in good condition...

Category

Antique Mid-18th Century French Cabinets

Materials

Metal, Iron

18th Century Black French Iron Safe, Antique Cassa Forte

$16,400

Early 19th century painted iron safe

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

Early 19th century painted iron safe circa 1830. We are pleased to offer this cast iron safe in near original condition and still functioning today. Cast fielded panels to front an...

Category