Expert: Mike Palmer - 10/7/2009

Question
Could you please give me any information about this safe? It's got the following wording on the front:
Davis' Safe Co
Twelve Corner Bent Steel Safe
London Fields London
I'm interested in finding out how old it is and whether it is secure enough for current use? Any information that you could provide about the possible value and specifications would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks, Martin

Answer
Hello Martin

Thanks for the question.  I have been in the safe industry for over 40 years and collect brass safe plates. However, I don't think I have come across Davis Safes.  This is not unusual as there were literally hundreds of safe makers in the years between the two Great Wars.  I can tell you a bit about 12 corner bent safes.  One of the first types of safe was the four corner bent.  It was constructed by making 4 bends in a single sheet of mild steel to form a square.  The seam was usually at the bottom and was either joined by riveting or later by welding.  An angle iron frame was added to which a back plate was fixed and the door hung to complete the six sided safe.  

Then came the eight corner bent safe when a further four bends were created at the back to form a flange onto which a back plate could be attached more securely.  A short while later, a further 4 bends were added to create a rebate at the front into which the door could be hung.

The gap between the outer body and the inner light steel lining was usually filled with a mixture of sand, sawdust and alum to provide a primitive form of fire resistant compound to protect ledgers and legal papers from loss by fire.  

The 12 corner bent safe was introduced in 1906 and more or less lead to today's modern forms of construction.  Without a picture of the safe it is difficult to estimate its age or its level or protection.  If the boltwork is flat, it is likely to be 1920's.  If it has round boltwork it is more likely 1930's.  It is unlikely to be rated very highly for insurance purposes.

If you would like a more detailed appraisal - please send two pictures; one with the door shut and one with it open - to mike.palmer@tiscali.co.uk - there is no charge.

Regards,

Mike Palmer FSyI
Insurance Liaison Coordinator