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Italian Hobnail Floor Safe
- Made in Turin circa 1800, this monumental Italian safe is constructed of reinforced wrought iron
- Its formidable locking system requires three distinct iron keys and a lockpick
- Known as a “partner safe,” this ingenious design required the cooperation of multiple keyholders
- The safe presents a monumental, fortress-like facade, densely ornamented with oversized rivets
- Get complete item description here
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Italian, made in Turin
Circa 1800
Made in Turin circa 1800, this rare Italian safe is constructed of reinforced wrought iron and engineered to provide an exceptional level of security. Its formidable locking system requires three distinct iron keys, each corresponding to a concealed keyhole, as well as a specialized lock pick to release the mechanism. Possessing the keys alone is not enough to open the safe; one has to know. . .
Italian, made in Turin
Circa 1800
Made in Turin circa 1800, this rare Italian safe is constructed of reinforced wrought iron and engineered to provide an exceptional level of security. Its formidable locking system requires three distinct iron keys, each corresponding to a concealed keyhole, as well as a specialized lock pick to release the mechanism. Possessing the keys alone is not enough to open the safe; one has to know precisely which key to use, the exact sequence in which to turn them and how many times each key should be turned to release the locks. Known as a “partner safe,” this ingenious design required the cooperation of multiple keyholders—often business partners—to open it, providing an extraordinary safeguard against unauthorized access.
The safe presents a monumental, fortress-like facade, densely ornamented with oversized rivets, faceted studs, floral bosses and geometric ironwork arranged in a strikingly symmetrical composition. Massive hinges and layered borders further emphasize its imposing, architectural character. Inside, six drawers provide ample storage for valuables, while an additional locked compartment requires a fourth key, adding yet another layer of security to the safe’s ingenious design.
Designed to protect valuable possessions from both theft and fire, safes of this complexity were essential to merchants and affluent households at a time when storing wealth securely was a significant concern. Their elaborate construction and sophisticated locking mechanisms represent the remarkable ingenuity of early Italian safe-making. Few examples of this extraordinary scale and craftsmanship have survived, making this Turin safe a rare and remarkable testament to the art and engineering of early 19th-century Italy.
55" high x 29 3/4" wide x 19 3/4" deep
| Period: | 19th Century |
| Type: | Safes/Strong Boxes |
| Depth: | 19.75 in. (50.17 cm) |
| Width: | 29.75 in. (75.57 cm) |
| Height: | 55.0 in. (139.7 cm) |
Buy With Confidence
For over a century, we've placed important art, rare jewels and exceptional objects with more than 14,000 collectors worldwide, and have been recognized by trusted publications including Robb Report, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and more.
On Approval
Examine select works in person before you commit
125% Guarantee
Full credit plus 5% annual appreciation for five years
Trusted Expertise
Over two centuries of combined experience across our specialists
