Questions & Answers
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What were safes made from in the 1800s?
1 Answer

In the 1800s, safes were usually made of metal like tin plating or sheet iron. Fireproofing the safes proved difficult, and during the 1820s, specific mixtures of materials such as mica, potash lye and alum were used to line a safe’s interior in order to prevent its contents from succumbing to fire damage. Shop a collection of safes on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
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Shop for 19th Century Safes on 1stDibs
19th Century PORTUGUESE SAFE with Keys
Located in Madrid, ES
19th Century PORTUGUESE SAFE with Keys
in iron and wood.
Painted decoration with a door and drawer
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Portuguese Colonial Revival Credenzas
Materials
Iron
Biedermeier Safe Cabinet, Early 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Exceptional Biedermeier safe cabinet featuring a single-door lower section, a flat flap, and a top
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Biedermeier Cabinets
Materials
Iron
19th Century French Iron Safe
Located in High Point, NC
treasured possessions. Made in 19th century France, the surface of the metal has aged to a dark, velvety
Category
Antique 19th Century French Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Iron
Iron strong box or safe. 19th century
Located in Madrid, ES
Safe box. Iron. XIX century.
Rectangular safe made of iron, with a rectangular base, two handles
Category
Antique 19th Century European Neoclassical Revival Decorative Boxes
Materials
Other, Iron
19th Century Dutch safe, ca 1880
Located in Delft, NL
19th Century Dutch safe, ca 1880
A Dutch safe with single door in green matte paint with hand
Category
Antique 19th Century Dutch Cabinets
Materials
Steel
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
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century English Early Victorian Cabinets
Materials
Iron