You are here:

Antique Safes/Milner 212

Advertisement

Expert: - 10/7/2009


Question

Milner 212
Hello Mike, can you help I'm trying to find out how much my safe is worth, if anything? It's a Milner 212 fire resistant safe, I have attached a photo hope this helps,
Kind regards
Ian

Answer
Hello Ian

212 refers rather oddly to the boiling point of water (212 degrees F) indicating that originally this safe was primarily concerned with protecting ledgers and other paper documents from loss by fire.  The hollow walls of the safe were filled with Milner's patent loose 'fire proof' compound of sand, sawdust and alum crystals.  When heated, the crystals damped down the sand and sawdust and consequently the internal temperature of the safe could not exceed 212 degrees until all the moisture had been driven off.

This type of construction is referred to a 'square cornered' because of the sharp corners and was the most common form of construction before 1900.  The raised embellishments on the face of the door are frequently referred to as 'church door' and indicate that it dates way back to the mid to late 1800's.  The white 'documents only' safe balanced on top, has the same form of construction and is almost as old.  As a matter of interest, on the keyhole cover, it will say 'Patent Solid Powder Proof Lock'.  They are referring to black gun-powder, so that gives you some idea of how old it is and the type of burglar it was designed to resist.

Because it is crudely made from mild steel sheets riveted onto an angle-iron frame, it can be ripped open in minutes using hand held forcing tools.  So, it has no purpose as a burglar resisting safe.  Additionally, the loose fill will have compacted and deteriorated to the point that it would offer very little resistance to heat.

Finally, because Milner was one of the world's most successful safe makers, the 212 brass plate is worth very little to collectors as they can be found on sale at almost every car boot sale.

Sadly, it is worth very little as a commercial safe as you would be lucky to receive insurance cover for £1,000 cash held overnight.  My recommendation is that you don't use either safe to secure important documents as they won't offer much protection from fire or unauthorised opening.

Whatever you get for them, make sure that the buyer collects as removal and transportation will probably cost far more than the safes are worth.  

Regards,

Mike Palmer FSyI
Insurance Liaison Coordinator  

Mike Palmer

Expertise

I earn my living identifying safes and suggesting cash limits for risk advisors and insurance surveyors in the UK. I'm not able to comment on safes made in the USA but will be happy to take questions on all major British and European manufacturers.

Experience

I have been in the UK safe industry for 40 years and have one of the largest archive databases of old safe literature and serial numbers in the country. I started with Chubb in 1960 and became Assistant Manager of their Bank Security Division before moving on to become the Insurance Liaison Manager with the John Tann Group. I became Sales & Marketing Director for Guardian Safes Limited before semi-retiring. I am a Fellow of the Security Institute and Chairman of Eurosafe UK, a trade body representing the interests of UK safe makers and distributors. I now work as a part time consultant.

Organizations
I am an invited advisor to the Safe Committee of the Association of Insurance Surveyors and a Fellow of the Security Institute.

Publications
I have had literally scores of articles published in various security trade publications. So far this year I have had 24 features published in various journals including Keyways, Professional Security, Pawnbroker and Safe India.

Education/Credentials
I have no relevant educational credentials.

Awards and Honors
In 1997 I was awarded the annual shield by the Association of Insurance Surveyors for "..outstanding services to crime prevention"

Past/Present Clients
I have represented or been an agent for the John Tann Group (Stratford, Ratner, Dreadnought and Tann safes); Churchill Safes, Chubb Safe Co Ltd, SLS Safes, SMP Safes, Dudley Safes and several others

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.