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19th-Century French Floor Safe
19th-Century French Floor Safe
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19th-Century French Floor Safe
19th-Century French Floor Safe
19th-Century French Floor Safe
19th-Century French Floor Safe
19th-Century French Floor Safe
19th-Century French Floor Safe
19th-Century French Floor Safe
19th-Century French Floor Safe
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19th-Century French Floor Safe

  • This fully functioning French hobnail safe is a marvel of mechanical ingenuity
  • Its robust iron structure is clad in thick iron plates, polished iron straps and hobnail rivets
  • One must follow a precise sequence using three keys to unlock the safe
  • The impressive work was crafted by Magaud de Charf in Marseilles, France
  • Get complete item description here
$124,500
Item No. 32-0780

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Description
French Floor Safe
Magaud de Charf
Circa 1830

A marvel of mechanical ingenuity and exceptional craftsmanship, this fully functioning French hobnail safe represents one of the most secure methods of storing valuables in the 19th century. Its robust iron structure is clad in thick iron plates, polished iron straps and hobnail rivets, complemented by decorative mounts that underscore its aesthetic appeal. The locking mechanism is remarkably intricate, showcasing concealed keyholes and requiring the precise. . .
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French Floor Safe
Magaud de Charf
Circa 1830

A marvel of mechanical ingenuity and exceptional craftsmanship, this fully functioning French hobnail safe represents one of the most secure methods of storing valuables in the 19th century. Its robust iron structure is clad in thick iron plates, polished iron straps and hobnail rivets, complemented by decorative mounts that underscore its aesthetic appeal. The locking mechanism is remarkably intricate, showcasing concealed keyholes and requiring the precise use of three separate keys to unlock the safe. Once opened, the exposed workings of the mechanism can be observed on the interior of the door in an impressive display of technical mastery. The exterior is richly ornamented with iron scrollwork and neoclassical medallions. Two lions' heads, each poised atop Ionic columns, flank a large central medallion depicting a cherubic child drinking from a pitcher.

The ingenuity of the design lies in the safe's concealment: the keyholes are hidden among the hobnails, and only by knowing the exact nails to manipulate does the first keyhole reveal itself. Each subsequent step in the unlocking process demands a precise sequence using three uniquely designed keys. Such complexity suggests the safe was likely intended as a “partners’ safe,” requiring the presence of three keyholders, common among business associates sharing financial control.

Crafted by Magaud de Charf in Marseilles, France, this safe is among the rare surviving examples of its size and intricacy. Its imposing scale and refined detailing point to a commission by someone of considerable status, and its construction speaks to the hand of a master metalsmith.

Marked “Breveté (patented) Magaud de Charf, Marseilles”

60 3/4" high x 35 1/2" wide x 23 1/2" deep
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19th-Century French Floor Safe
Period: 19th Century
Origin: France
Type: Safes/Strong Boxes
Depth: 23.5 in. (59.69 cm)
Width: 35.5 in. (90.17 cm)
Height: 60.75 in. (154.31 cm)
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Buy with Confidence

At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.

Learn More

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The M.S. Rau Difference

The M.S. Rau Difference

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M.S. Rau is committed to offering fine art of the highest caliber and we seek paintings and sculpture by historically renowned artists, often with impressive provenance. The large majority of our works of art come from private collections; many are fresh to the market. Founded on Bill Rau’s expertise in the field, our specialisms range from Old Master pictures to Modern Art masterpieces. We regularly exhibit Dutch, Flemish, and Italian Old Masters, Academic, Orientalist, Barbizon, Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, Maritime & Sporting, British Neoclassical and American Illustration.

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For more than a century, M.S. Rau has offered clients a superb selection of the highest quality jewelry. From the rarest colored diamonds, to the most sublime gemstones, to the most exquisite designer jewelry, M.S. Rau houses. . .

For more than a century, M.S. Rau has offered clients a superb selection of the highest quality jewelry. From the rarest colored diamonds, to the most sublime gemstones, to the most exquisite designer jewelry, M.S. Rau houses an extraordinary collection of fine jewels to satisfy the most discerning collector. Stunning creations by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston and Patek Philippe are offered alongside extreme rarities such as vivid yellow, pink and blue diamonds, coveted Burma and Kashmir sapphires and elusive Golconda diamonds prized for their fire and perfection. Iconic jewels from the Art Deco, Edwardian, Art Nouveau and Victorian periods round out the collection.

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Since 1912, M.S. Rau has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the. . .

Since 1912, M.S. Rau has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the world’s most extraordinary and beautiful treasures has remained steadfast and our acquisition philosophy is simple: seek out and acquire only the very finest works whose provenance, beauty and rarity set them apart from all others. Our clients can be certain that each and every piece in our gallery has been hand-selected and carefully vetted for authenticity, condition and provenance. And, because our network of contacts spans generations, we are often able to acquire pieces that may have otherwise never been available on the market.

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