Rare 1897 Custom Cast Iron Safe Bank Engraved Plaque Brass Door Provenance Bertoia 8.6lb

Details

Description

Distinguished by its extraordinary weight and custom foundry construction, this rare late 19th-century safe-form bank features a heavy cast-iron cabinet … Read more Distinguished by its extraordinary weight and custom foundry construction, this rare late 19th-century safe-form bank features a heavy cast-iron cabinet fitted with solid brass side bail handles, a top coin frame, and a remarkably thick hinged front door. An engraved presentation plaque mounted above the door reads "EDWIN. A. ANDREWS DEC. 16 1897," commemorating its original commissioning alongside included handwritten period provenance notes from the original recipient. This object carries a commanding physical and historical presence.

PROVENANCE & HISTORICAL BIOGRAPHY

​Sourced Lineage: Sourced directly through world-renowned Bertoia Auctions.

​Original Family Ephemera Included: Found tucked inside the interior chamber is the original handwritten 19th-century note from the recipient, Esther L. Gebert, stating: "Dad Andrews gave me this bank the day I was born. December 9th 1897. Esther L. Gebert."

​Custom Engraved Plaque: The solid brass presentation crest mounted above the door reads "EDWIN. A. ANDREWS DEC. 16 1897", commemorating the custom commissioning of this heavy 8.6 lb cabinet safe exactly one week following Esther's birth.

​The Andrews Family Lineage: Edwin A. Andrews was a prominent late-19th-century American Gilded Age figure who commissioned custom foundry presentation pieces for his family. This heirloom safe bank was custom-ordered to celebrate the birth of his daughter/granddaughter, Esther L. Gebert (née Andrews), born December 9, 1897. Direct primary-source ephemera linking a named 1890s family lineage to an engraved brass presentation plaque on a cast-iron safe bank is exceptionally rare in the still bank market.

Curator's Note
Weighing over 8.5 pounds despite its compact 6.7-inch stance, this exceptional 1897 cast iron safe bank is a rare example of custom late Victorian presentation metalware. Featuring heavy brass bail handles, a thick hinged door, and an engraved plate commemorating "Edwin A. Andrews Dec. 16 1897," this piece retains its original chippy ivory finish and handwritten family birth provenance. A rich sculptural accent for an executive desk, library bookshelf, or historic metalware display.

Technical & Material Construction
Primary Material: Heavy-gauge cast iron body and base frame with brass door faceplate, hinges, and accent hardware.

Structural Hardware: Dual side bail handles mounted on contoured backplates; solid brass hinged door trim attached with slotted brass screws.

Front Engraved Plaque: Period-engraved scrollwork crest reading "EDWIN. A. ANDREWS DEC. 16 1897".

Coin Access: Scalloped coin slot frame mounted to the top panel.

Door Assembly: Extra-thick, heavy-duty hinged door construction with keyhole (key not included).

Physical Description
Form: Architectural safe cabinet with stepped top, molded trim, and extended splayed corner feet.

Color & Finish: Cream/ivory painted finish over heavy iron casing, displaying authentic chippy surface wear; raw unpainted iron interior.

Base Details: Solid footed base structure showing natural oxidation and manufacturing mold marks.

Provenances/Ephemera Included: Original handwritten note from owner Esther L. Gebert ("Dad... gave me this bank the day I was born. December 9th 1897") along with later research notes tracing the family lineage. See less