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Antique Safes/Tanns defiance safe

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Expert: - 10/13/2008


Question
First, thanks for this great resource.  Many years ago I restored an old safe, not knowing anything about it.  Would you know anything about, or know where I can find information about "Tanns defiance lock and safe company" London.  It is about 2 feet tall, 1.5 feet wide and 1.5 feet deep.  It has a skeleton-type key, with some lovely crests, and keyhole cover.  I am most interest in date of manufacture and any information on the company making the safe.  Again thanks for your time.


-Dave

Answer
Dave,

A good resource is www.safeman.org.uk, he has a lot of information about the British safes.  You can contact him at "moreinfo@peterman.org.uk"

Based on the information that he has, Edward Tann & Sons, were founded in 1795.  He has a listing of Safemakers between 1842 and 1905 that list 3 different Tann Safe Manufactures, they were however all members of the same family, and probably sons of Edward Tann.  The most notable "John Tann" used the name "Reliance" after their lock patent.  While Robert used the name "Defiance" and George used the name "Trusty".
Robert & George would warn potential customers to be wary of imitations.
The years that Robert shows up on the list are 1900-1907 which would give you an approximate date for your safe.

You can also try contacting the factory at http://john-tann.com
they may be able to give you more info.

I would love to see pictures of your safe.

Good luck

Andy
andy@securitysafeusa.com

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Terry V Andreasen (Andy)

Expertise

Safe and Vault related Questions; Antique Safe Repair and Restoration; With over 40 years in the Safe & Vault industry, if I can't answer your question I know where to get the answer. Current Project: Restoration of two Tilton & McFarland Safes from the 1860's. Will answer Safe & Vault related questions concerning age, value, restoration, moving, opening & repairing, parts, operation and history. Note: It is not my intention to teach you to open safes or to provide information which may aid in the unlawful opening of a safe. I will not give out drill points or information which I deem inappropriate.

Experience

40 years in the Safe & Vault Industry. Service Manager for one of the largest Safe & Vault companies on the West Coast. Graduate of Lockmasters Safe Lock Servicing, Safe lock Manipulation and Safe Deposit Lock Courses. Graduate of Locksmith Institute. Certified Instructor for the California Locksmith Association teaching Basic and Advanced Lock Servicing, Basic Safe opening and Repairing. Factory Trained by AMSEC, LORD Safes, LeFebure, Mosler, KabaMas, LaGard and Sargent & Greenleaf

Organizations
Safecrackers International and the National Antique Safe Association

Education/Credentials
Graduate of Locksmith Institute 1972 Graduate Lockmasters Safe Lock Servicing 1974 Graduate Lockmasters Safe Lock Manipulation 1975 Graduate Lockmasters Safe Deposit Lock Servicing 1985 Instructor Certified - California Locksmith Association - 1985 Factory trained by AMSEC, MAJOR, STAR, Johnson-Pacific, Kaba-MAS, Allied-Gary, ISM, Lord, Brown Safe, EXL, Mosler, Diebold.

Awards and Honors
2009, 2010 & 2011 Listed in AllExperts top 50 Experts. All Experts Categories - Safes & Security Containers, Locksmithing, Antique Safes. Retired US Army Reserve Chief Warrant Officer (CW3), with 32 years of total service. With numerous awards from Vietnam, Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. US Navy - 1971-1981 US Army Reserve 1984-2006 US Army Retired Reserve 2006-present

Past/Present Clients
US Secret Service, FBI, BATF, Local Law enforcment agencies, Diebold, Hamilton Pacific, Red Hawk Int., Chubb International, Bank of America, Wells Fargo Bank, Mechanics Bank, El Dorado Savings Bank, many Credit unions and smaller banks. McDonalds, Togos, BurgerKing, TacoBell, Carls Jr. FoodMaxx, SaveMart, Lucky's, Albertson's, Raley's, Safeway, NobHill, Bell Markets, PW Markets. Great America, Century Theatres, Cinemark Theatres, UA Cinemas, and many homeowners and small businesses. Provide warranty service for lock and safe manufactures. Service area is Northern California - Fresno to Oregon, including western Nevada

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