This is our 1st Chest Safe / Strong Box. Slightly unusual but has potential to be very impressive. It has some lovely brass plaques. Would look great in the corner of a room or in a hallway, certainly a nice talking piece.
These were made around 1850s so its in great shape for its age.
We have added some designs to give you an idea of what this little gem could look like after a restoration.
History:
Milners Safes have a rich history rooted in the early 19th century, beginning with Thomas Milner, a tinsmith and metal box-maker from Sheffield. In 1830, Milner moved to Liverpool and established a safe manufactory, initially producing tin-plate and sheet iron boxes with his newly patented fire-resisting composition. By 1846, the company had progressed to manufacturing strong plate iron safes and chests, employing 35 men at first, and by 1851, under the name Milner & Son (with his son William as partner), the workforce had grown to 110 men.
Milners became a pioneer in fire-resistant safes, securing patents for innovative insulation techniques—such as using asbestos, mica, or alum to generate steam inside the safe during a fire, protecting its contents. The company gained international acclaim at the Great Exhibition in London in 1851, where their safes were showcased and tested live for fire resistance.
Milners expanded its presence, opening offices and showrooms in London (including addresses at Finsbury Pavement, Newgate Street, and Holborn Viaduct) while maintaining factories in Liverpool. By the early 20th century, Milners claimed to be the largest safe manufacturer in the world.
The company continued under the Milners Safe Company name until 1956, when it merged with Chatwood to form Chatwood-Milner Ltd., and later became part of the Chubb group. Today, Milner safes are valued by collectors for their ornate features, detailed plaques, and historic significance
Please get in touch for pricing on this safe. Prices vary depending on the design chosen.
Size: (HxWxD) 485x615x505
Weight: 76kg
