Skip to main content
Items Similar to 19th-Century French Floor Safe
19th Century French Iron Safe
19th Century French Iron Safe
Large 19th Century French Safe – Iron Fittings with Riveted Straps
Large 19th Century French Safe – Iron Fittings with Riveted Straps
Antique safe, Incombustible BAUCHE early 20th century
Antique safe, Incombustible BAUCHE early 20th century
18th Century Black French Iron Safe, Antique Cassa Forte
18th Century Black French Iron Safe, Antique Cassa Forte
18th-Century Tabletop Italian Diamond Front Iron Safe
18th-Century Tabletop Italian Diamond Front Iron Safe
19th Century Dutch safe from F.J.P. Trousselot Rotterdam, ca 1880
19th Century Dutch safe from F.J.P. Trousselot Rotterdam, ca 1880
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 11

19th-Century French Floor Safe

$124,500
£94,804.13
€109,164.41
CA$176,427.46
A$189,772.97
CHF 101,420.18
MX$2,236,882.63
NOK 1,278,670.95
SEK 1,168,947.90
DKK 815,642.55

About the Item

French Floor Safe Magaud de Charf Circa 1830 A marvel of mechanical ingenuity and exceptional craftsmanship, this fully functioning French hobnail safe represents one of the most secure methods of storing valuables in the 19th century. Its robust iron structure is clad in thick iron plates, polished iron straps and hobnail rivets, complemented by decorative mounts that underscore its aesthetic appeal. The locking mechanism is remarkably intricate, showcasing concealed keyholes and requiring the precise use of three separate keys to unlock the safe. Once opened, the exposed workings of the mechanism can be observed on the interior of the door in an impressive display of technical mastery. The exterior is richly ornamented with iron scrollwork and neoclassical medallions. Two lions' heads, each poised atop Ionic columns, flank a large central medallion depicting a cherubic child drinking from a pitcher. The ingenuity of the design lies in the safe's concealment: the keyholes are hidden among the hobnails, and only by knowing the exact nails to manipulate does the first keyhole reveal itself. Each subsequent step in the unlocking process demands a precise sequence using three uniquely designed keys. Such complexity suggests the safe was likely intended as a “partners’ safe,” requiring the presence of three keyholders, common among business associates sharing financial control. Crafted by Magaud de Charf in Marseilles, France, this safe is among the rare surviving examples of its size and intricacy. Its imposing scale and refined detailing point to a commission by someone of considerable status, and its construction speaks to the hand of a master metalsmith. Marked “Breveté (patented) Magaud de Charf, Marseilles” 60 3/4" high x 35 1/2" wide x 23 1/2" deep
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 23.5 in (59.69 cm)Width: 35.5 in (90.17 cm)Depth: 23.5 in (59.69 cm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Iron
  • Place of Origin:
    France
  • Period:
    19th Century
  • Date of Manufacture:
    Circa 1830
  • Condition:
  • Seller Location:
    New Orleans, LA
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 32-07801stDibs: LU891145702352

More From This Seller

View All
18th-Century Tabletop Italian Diamond Front Iron Safe
Located in New Orleans, LA
Italian Tabletop Diamond Front Iron Safe 18th century This remarkable 18th-century tabletop safe represents an exceptional fusion of security innovation and decorative metalwork. Co...
Category

Antique 18th Century Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Iron

18th-Century Tabletop Italian Diamond Front Iron Safe

18th-Century Tabletop Italian Diamond Front Iron Safe

$48,500
18th-Century German Strongbox
Located in New Orleans, LA
German Strongbox Circa 1750 This rare German strongbox stands as an exceptional testament to 18th-century ingenuity, uniting advanced security with refined ornamentation. Constructe...
Category

Antique 18th Century Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Wrought Iron

18th-Century German Strongbox

18th-Century German Strongbox

$64,500
French 18th-Century Master s Lock
Located in New Orleans, LA
French Master’s Lock 18th Century Ingeniously crafted with a hidden mechanism, this 18th-century French lock known as a serrure de maîtrise, or master’s lock, was likely used by saf...
Category

Antique 18th Century Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Iron

French 18th-Century Master s Lock

French 18th-Century Master s Lock

$14,850
18th-Century French Master’s Lock
Located in New Orleans, LA
French Master’s Lock 18th Century Ingeniously crafted with a hidden mechanism, this 18th-century French lock, known as a serrure de maîtrise, or master’s lock, was likely used by sa...
Category

Antique 18th Century French Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Iron

18th-Century French Master’s Lock

18th-Century French Master’s Lock

$14,850
19th Century Dutch Bureau Bookcase
Located in New Orleans, LA
This magnificent and important Dutch mahogany bureau bookcase, exuberantly carved and adorned with superb figural carvings, impressive scrolled feet and elaborate applied decoration....
Category

Antique 19th Century Dutch Other Bookcases

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century Dutch Bureau Bookcase

19th Century Dutch Bureau Bookcase

$34,500
Mermod Fréres Station Cylinder Music Box
By Mermod Frères 1
Located in New Orleans, LA
This exceptionally wonderful and rare automaton cylinder musical box by the Mermod Fréres firm of Sainte-Croix, Switzerland is a marvel of musical crafts...
Category

Antique 19th Century Swiss Other Musical Instruments

Materials

Walnut

Mermod Fréres Station Cylinder Music Box

Mermod Fréres Station Cylinder Music Box

$128,500

You May Also Like

19th Century French Iron Safe
Located in High Point, NC
Originally used as a safe or strong-box, this antique iron trunk remains a trustworthy vault for treasured possessions. Made in 19th century France,...
Category

Antique 19th Century French Trunks and Luggage

Materials

Iron

19th Century French Iron Safe

19th Century French Iron Safe

$1,195
Large 19th Century French Safe – Iron Fittings with Riveted Straps
Located in Madrid, ES
Large 19th Century French Safe – Iron Fittings with Riveted Straps Impressive 19th-century French safe, featuring a sturdy construction with interwoven iron straps secured with hand-...
Category

Antique 19th Century French Other Furniture

Materials

Iron

Large 19th Century French Safe – Iron Fittings with Riveted Straps

Large 19th Century French Safe – Iron Fittings with Riveted Straps

$11,379 / set
Antique safe, Incombustible BAUCHE early 20th century
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Antique safe, "Incombustible BAUCHE," early 20th century Safe - Antique - Coffre-fort Antique safe, "Incombustible BAUCHE," early 20th century, interior safe. Brass and raw steel - W...
Category

Early 20th Century French Industrial Cabinets

Materials

Brass, Steel

Antique safe, Incombustible BAUCHE early 20th century

Antique safe, Incombustible BAUCHE early 20th century

$3,619
18th Century Black French Iron Safe, Antique Cassa Forte
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A large, antique single-door safe or cassa forte made of hand crafted iron with rivets and bands on the surface and palmettes and rocaille decorations on the front, in good condition...
Category

Antique Mid-18th Century French Cabinets

Materials

Metal, Iron

18th Century Black French Iron Safe, Antique Cassa Forte

18th Century Black French Iron Safe, Antique Cassa Forte

$16,400
19th Century Dutch safe from F.J.P. Trousselot Rotterdam, ca 1880
Located in Delft, NL
19th Century Dutch safe from F.J.P. Trousselot Rotterdam, ca 1880 A Dutch safe from F.J.P. Trousselot Rotterdam in stained imitation wood on cast lion legs with two safe doors and t...
Category

Antique 19th Century Dutch Cabinets

Materials

Steel

19th Century Dutch safe from F.J.P. Trousselot Rotterdam, ca 1880

19th Century Dutch safe from F.J.P. Trousselot Rotterdam, ca 1880

$4,152
Early 19th century painted iron safe
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Early 19th century painted iron safe circa 1830. We are pleased to offer this cast iron safe in near original condition and still functioning today. Cast fielded panels to front an...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Early Victorian Cabinets

Materials

Iron

Early 19th century painted iron safe

Early 19th century painted iron safe

$1,571

More Ways To Browse

Antique Iron Plate
Antique Hobnail
Lion Medallion
Office Safes
Hobnail Antique Safe
Hobnail Safe
Antique Cherub Pitcher
Antique Floor Safes
Magaud De Charf
Judges Gavel
Magic Lantern Slides
Mercury Glass Tree Topper
Portable Television
Rare Antique Christmas Ornaments
Singer On Sale
Tinsel Tree Antique
Vintage Belsnickle
Vintage Christmas Tree Toppers
View All Popular Historical Memorabilia Searches