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Learn MoreItalian Hobnail Floor Safe with Lion Head
- This rare and imposing Italian iron hobnail safe was crafted in the 18th century
- Three different keys and two picks are required to open the iron-armored safe
- Few hobnail safes of this quality, complexity and age exist today, and even fewer at this scale
- Get complete item description here
$124,500
Item No.
31-9481
To speak to one of our experts, call 1-888-711-8084
Description
Italian Hobnail Floor Safe with Lion Head
18th Century
This rare and monumental 18th-century safe originates from the Turin region of northwestern Italy and is constructed from reinforced wrought iron, rendering it virtually indestructible. Designed to be impenetrable without the proper keys and expertise, it served as a secure repository for safeguarding one’s most valuable possessions. A hallmark of Italian safes of this caliber is their intricate locking mechanisms, and this exceptional example features. . .
18th Century
This rare and monumental 18th-century safe originates from the Turin region of northwestern Italy and is constructed from reinforced wrought iron, rendering it virtually indestructible. Designed to be impenetrable without the proper keys and expertise, it served as a secure repository for safeguarding one’s most valuable possessions. A hallmark of Italian safes of this caliber is their intricate locking mechanisms, and this exceptional example features. . .
Read More
Italian Hobnail Floor Safe with Lion Head
18th Century
This rare and monumental 18th-century safe originates from the Turin region of northwestern Italy and is constructed from reinforced wrought iron, rendering it virtually indestructible. Designed to be impenetrable without the proper keys and expertise, it served as a secure repository for safeguarding one’s most valuable possessions. A hallmark of Italian safes of this caliber is their intricate locking mechanisms, and this exceptional example features a masterfully engineered system. To unlock it, one would need not only three distinct iron keys—each corresponding to a concealed keyhole—but also a pair of specialized lock picks. Known as a "partner safe," this design required the cooperation of multiple keyholders, often business partners, to open the safe, providing an extraordinary level of security.
In addition to its stately construction, this example features a beautiful gilt lion on the front, guarding the door. Upon opening, the safe reveals four original interior drawers, each inscribed with its intended purpose as a vessel for different currencies. One drawer bears the label “Doppie di Spagna” (Spanish doubloons), gold coins minted in Spain and its colonies from the 16th to 18th centuries. Another drawer is marked “Doppie di Genova” (Genovese doubloons), referencing gold coins minted in the Republic of Genoa, which were commonly used throughout Europe, particularly in Italy, during the 17th and 18th centuries. The third drawer states "Puccine," referring to "pistoles" in English, a type of gold coin, commonly used in various European regions during the 17th and 18th centuries. The final drawer includes the name “Luigi,” a colloquial term for the Louis d'or, a gold coin minted in France beginning in 1640 under King Louis XIII.
Crafted to protect against both theft and fire, safes of this complexity and scale were frequently used by merchants in lieu of banks, making them essential tools for safeguarding wealth during the period. Few hobnail safes of this extraordinary size, craftsmanship, and sophistication have survived to the present day, making this example an exceptionally rare and significant artifact.
58 1/4" high x 36 5/8" wide x 24 1/8" deep
18th Century
This rare and monumental 18th-century safe originates from the Turin region of northwestern Italy and is constructed from reinforced wrought iron, rendering it virtually indestructible. Designed to be impenetrable without the proper keys and expertise, it served as a secure repository for safeguarding one’s most valuable possessions. A hallmark of Italian safes of this caliber is their intricate locking mechanisms, and this exceptional example features a masterfully engineered system. To unlock it, one would need not only three distinct iron keys—each corresponding to a concealed keyhole—but also a pair of specialized lock picks. Known as a "partner safe," this design required the cooperation of multiple keyholders, often business partners, to open the safe, providing an extraordinary level of security.
In addition to its stately construction, this example features a beautiful gilt lion on the front, guarding the door. Upon opening, the safe reveals four original interior drawers, each inscribed with its intended purpose as a vessel for different currencies. One drawer bears the label “Doppie di Spagna” (Spanish doubloons), gold coins minted in Spain and its colonies from the 16th to 18th centuries. Another drawer is marked “Doppie di Genova” (Genovese doubloons), referencing gold coins minted in the Republic of Genoa, which were commonly used throughout Europe, particularly in Italy, during the 17th and 18th centuries. The third drawer states "Puccine," referring to "pistoles" in English, a type of gold coin, commonly used in various European regions during the 17th and 18th centuries. The final drawer includes the name “Luigi,” a colloquial term for the Louis d'or, a gold coin minted in France beginning in 1640 under King Louis XIII.
Crafted to protect against both theft and fire, safes of this complexity and scale were frequently used by merchants in lieu of banks, making them essential tools for safeguarding wealth during the period. Few hobnail safes of this extraordinary size, craftsmanship, and sophistication have survived to the present day, making this example an exceptionally rare and significant artifact.
58 1/4" high x 36 5/8" wide x 24 1/8" deep
Read Less
Specifications
| Period: | 18th Century |
| Type: | Safes/Strong Boxes |
| Depth: | 22.0 in. (55.88 cm) |
| Width: | 41.0 in. (104.14 cm) |
| Height: | 70.0 in. (177.8 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
