A Basic Overview of Antique Bank Safes for Collectors
Posted: Monday, February 22, 2010
by Don Hoppe Jr.
Hog Mountain Wholesale, LLC
Anyone that collects antiques of any kind know that it takes research and knowledge about the item they are collecting in order to make sure they are building the best collection they can. This is especially true when you are starting a collection of antique bank safes. The following is a basic overview and history of vintage safes and how to learn about collecting them.
Safes began production in the US in about the middle 1820s. They were imported from Europe before that time. Back then, they were boxes made from strong wood and they had iron hooks with which to lock/secure them. The knob chest was the first to be produced in the US which was later given the name Hobnail. Since that time, safes have advanced and become more secure than the antique bank safes of yesteryear.
Research
Some good research resources are your local library and the Internet. You can find guides and books on antique furnishings and collectibles in your local library. You can also find out how and where to locate estates and auctions for antiques where you might just find antique bank safes for you collection from the newspaper, internet and possibly the library. You can most likely find vintage safes through salvage collectors in your area that advertise in phone books and newspapers. They pick up items from yard sale leftovers and garage clutter from people that need that service.
Collecting
There are several different types of antique bank safes including the old hobnail safe made back in the 1820s and the fireproof safe developed and improved between the years 1834 and 1871. An example of the fireproof safe is the Diebold which gained popularity after they withstood the 1871 Great Chicago Fire. Collecting antique bank safes can be rewarding in more ways than one. You can pick them up in various places and keep the ones you want and make a profit off the ones you do not want.
Keep in mind that you may not always find antique bank safes unlocked. If you run across this issue, please carefully choose an expert in the field of opening antique bank safes so you do not cause damage to your treasured collectible. You just never know what you are going to find in an old vintage safe. That is yet another great reason to collect them.
More details on antique bank safes are covered at antiquesafesecurity.com.
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