Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 8

18th-Century Tabletop Italian Diamond Front Iron Safe

$48,500
£36,659.99
€42,128.85
CA$67,535.95
A$75,130.98
CHF 39,384.60
MX$918,082.22
NOK 501,513.75
SEK 472,105.81
DKK 314,475.84
Shipping
Retrieving quote...
The 1stDibs Promise:
Authenticity Guarantee,
Money-Back Guarantee,
24-Hour Cancellation

About the Item

Italian Tabletop Diamond Front Iron Safe 18th century This remarkable 18th-century tabletop safe represents an exceptional fusion of security innovation and decorative metalwork. Constructed of robust iron and adorned with intricate geometric ironwork and studs on its façade, this compact strongbox would have provided the highest possible protection for valuable documents and precious items. It comes complete with a sophisticated dual-lock mechanism requiring two separate keys and a pick, complemented by an interior containing two additional drawers and a secret compartment with its own key. Quite rare, the diamond-shaped ironwork on this safe's façade is more than a decorative feature—it also acts as a clever mechanism for concealing and revealing the keyholes. Between the 14th and 19th centuries, such portable safes gained prominence among merchants and aristocrats who required secure storage without the bulk of floor models. The dual-lock configuration suggests this example likely functioned as a "partners' safe," necessitating two key holders for access—a common practice for business associates sharing financial responsibilities. Beyond theft protection, these ingeniously designed strongboxes also offered valuable fire protection for important documents, making them essential multi-purpose security devices for the 18th century's emerging merchant class. 18 3/4“ high x 26 1/4” wide x 13 1/4“ deep
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 18.75 in (47.63 cm)Width: 26.25 in (66.68 cm)Depth: 13.25 in (33.66 cm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    18th Century
  • Condition:
  • Seller Location:
    New Orleans, LA
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 32-11441stDibs: LU891145814072

More From This Seller

View All
19th-Century French Floor Safe
Located in New Orleans, LA
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 se...
Category

Antique 19th Century French Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Iron

French 18th-Century Master's Lock
Located in New Orleans, LA
French Master’s Lock 18th Century Ingeniously crafted with a hidden mechanism, this 18th-century French lock known as a serrure de maîtrise, or master’s lock, was likely used by saf...
Category

Antique 18th Century Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Iron

18th-Century French Master’s Lock
Located in New Orleans, LA
French Master’s Lock 18th Century Ingeniously crafted with a hidden mechanism, this 18th-century French lock, known as a serrure de maîtrise, or master’s lock, was likely used by sa...
Category

Antique 18th Century French Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Iron

Musical Jewelry and Sewing Casket
Located in New Orleans, LA
This charming musical jewelry and sewing box is a work of sublime artistry. Almost certainly German or Austrian in origin and crafted of deep, ebonized...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Other Decorative Boxes

Materials

Multi-gemstone

Mermod Fréres Station Cylinder Music Box
By Mermod Frères 1
Located in New Orleans, LA
This exceptionally wonderful and rare automaton cylinder musical box by the Mermod Fréres firm of Sainte-Croix, Switzerland is a marvel of musical crafts...
Category

Antique 19th Century Swiss Other Musical Instruments

Materials

Walnut

19th Century Watch Winding Display Cabinet
Located in New Orleans, LA
This incredible, one-of-a-kind watch display cabinet brings together the beauty of an antique with the functionality of modern technology. Crafted of mahogany, this 19th century jewelry display cabinet...
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Empire Cabinets

Materials

Mahogany

You May Also Like

18th Century Italian Iron Safe - Coffre Forte
Located in Round Top, TX
A very striking 18th century Coffre Forte - Safe - from Northern Italy. Masterly crafted from iron and wood. Wonderful patina and storage. A fabulous piece to serve as a coffee ta...
Category

Antique 18th Century Italian Trunks and Luggage

Materials

Iron

Italian 17th Century Coffre Forte, Strong Box
Located in Round Top, TX
An exceptional 17th century Coffre Forte - Strong Box from the Lombardy area of Italy. Expertly crafted from iron with side handles, iron strapping and nail head detailing. Serves wo...
Category

Antique Mid-17th Century Italian Trunks and Luggage

Materials

Iron

18th Century Spanish Iron-Clad Strong Box in Working Condition with Original Key
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Spanish strong box from the 18th century. This antique safe from is constructed or iron clad wood, and is handsomely adorn in domed iron nailhead trim throughout it's top, front, a...
Category

Antique 18th Century Spanish Trunks and Luggage

Materials

Iron

Very Rare Antique Armada Box or Strongbox in Iron Early 17th Century
Located in Meer, VAN
Very Rare Antique Armada Box or Strongbox in Iron Early 17th Century A truly wonderful 400 year old museum worthy ‘strongbox’ or ‘armada box’. Most probably German, around 1600-1620...
Category

Antique 17th Century European Medieval Trunks and Luggage

Materials

Iron

Strongbox Safe Chest Iron Painted Armada 12 bolt lock Nuremberg Renaissance
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
Rare, small, late-Renaissance, Nuremberg, iron, 'armada box', strongbox or travelling safe with its original, naïve, painted decoration on later sledge feet...
Category

Antique Early 1600s German Renaissance Painted Furniture

Materials

Iron

19th Century Swedish Mid-Sized Iron Trunk Safe with Locks and Key
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish iron safe from the 19th century. This antique Swedish rectangular-shaped iron safe features three chunky padlocks which dangle open from the front top (note that these cann...
Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Trunks and Luggage

Materials

Metal, Iron