Antiques M.S. Rau | Italian Iron Safe

A Marvel Of Mechanical Complexity And Exceptional Craftsmanship, This Monumental Italian Safe Was One Of The Most Secure Means Of Storing Valuables In The 19Th Century. The Iron Structure Is Covered With Decorative Iron Medallions That Are Both Striking And Beautiful. Beautifully Restored Within And Fully Functional, The Floor Safe Is A Testament To The Artistry And Skill Of 19Th-Century Milanese Metalworkers.

The Locking Mechanism Is Exceptionally Complex, Utilizing Hidden Keyholes And A Total Of Three Keys, Housed In A Blue Velvet-Lined Fitted Drawer, That Must Be Manipulated Precisely To Open The Safe Successfully. Once Open, One Can View The Highly Complex Exposed Mechanism On The Door’S Interior. The Keyholes Are Ingeniously Hidden Behind Unassuming Latch Doors That Are Accessed By Manipulating A Special Pick. After That, One Must Know The Precise Way In Which To Manipulate The Three Keys To Successfully Gain Access To The Safe’S Precious Contents. Once Inside, The Lit Interior Of The Safe Features Three Levels Of Drawers, A Raised Shelf, And Another Locked Compartment In The Interior For An Added Level Of Security. Manufactured By Master Blacksmith Ferdinando Melzi, An Italian Craftsman In Milan, It Is One Of The Few Floor Safes Of This Size And Complexity Still In Existence.

Dated 1822

49″ High X 27 12″ Wide X 18 1/8″ Deep