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19th-Century French Floor Safe

$124,500
£95,604.04
€109,672.88
CA$174,937.11
A$195,918.52
CHF 102,227.08
MX$2,393,060.52
NOK 1,300,625.87
SEK 1,225,995.75
DKK 818,475.31

About the Item

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
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 23.5 in (59.69 cm)Width: 35.5 in (90.17 cm)Depth: 23.5 in (59.69 cm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Iron
  • Place of Origin:
    France
  • Period:
    19th Century
  • Date of Manufacture:
    Circa 1830
  • Condition:
  • Seller Location:
    New Orleans, LA
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 32-07801stDibs: LU891145702352

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