Vintage and Antique Safes
The predecessors of modern safes were antique wooden strongboxes bound with iron hoops, similar in construction to barrels. Until the 19th century, these so-called “iron chests” were designed to prevent theft, but offered little to no protection from fire.
The first-known American safes were produced in the early 19th century, and were typically wooden boxes covered with iron sheeting that was banded and secured with cast-iron nails. These...Continue Reading