Heavy Antique Bauche Cast Iron Safe From Northeastern France, Circa 1870

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This cast iron safe from Northeastern France is heralded as being incombustible. Dating to circa 1870, the compact safe is … Read more This cast iron safe from Northeastern France is heralded as being incombustible. Dating to circa 1870, the compact safe is from the renowned Bauche, which was an expert in fire-resistant materials until they began producing safes in 1864. One of Bauche’s smaller offerings, the compact size and thick handles on each end make it easier to transport the stored contents. A green felt lines the entire interior, helping to prevent damage to the secured items.

On the outside, the highly riveted construction adds a sense of strength to the safe, which is double-walled and filled with refractory materials to prevent damage from fire or mechanical attacks. The front has two roundels flanking a lock tumbler in the form of a star inside a ring topped by a crown. It is unclear if a previous owner disabled the tumbler or if it was designed as a deterrent to criminals, as it is non-functional. Instead, a key is inserted into the roundel on the left, which has a swivel lid (see photos). “Trickery” such as this was a hallmark of Bauche safes, making them highly sought-after by modern collectors. See less