Italian Hobnail Floor Safe with Lion Head

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About the Item

Italian Hobnail Floor Safe with Lion Head 18th Century This rare and monumental Italian 18th-century safe 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 four distinct iron keys—each corresponding to a concealed keyhole—but also a specialized lock pick. 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. 70" high x 41" wide x 22" deep

Dimensions:
Height: 70 in (177.8 cm)Width: 41 in (104.14 cm)Depth: 22 in (55.88 cm)
Materials and Techniques:
Iron
Place of Origin:
Italy
Period:
18th Century
Date of Manufacture:
18th Century
Condition:
Seller Location:
New Orleans, LA
Reference Number:
Seller: 31-94811stDibs: LU891142844702

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