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Antique Safes/John Tanns Reliance Safe

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Expert: - 12/2/2009


Question

Safe
Dear Mike
We have got an old John Tann's Reliance Safe and were wondering if it had any value and was worth keeping or if we should just dispose of it, I have attached an image of the front of the safe as from a previous question I assume you would be able to tell.
Many Thanks
Tanya

Answer
Hello Tanya

Thanks for the picture.  John Tann (originally Edward Tann) was the world's first safe maker having become established in 1795.  This particular safe probably dates back to the early 1900's.  

It is difficult to give a value.  From the point of view of security, it would be considered very low grade because of its age and therefore not worth a great deal.  Almost certainly a second hand safe dealer wouldn't be interested, however, they do scrub up beautifully and with all the brass-work gleaming you may find a buyer on eBay.  Make sure you instruct the purchaser to collect as moving safes can be very expensive and could cost more than it's worth.

Personally, as I worked for John Tann for many years, I would hang on to it, clean it up, polish the brass, repaint all the fancy line work and make it into a interesting and useful curio.

Good luck!

Mike Palmer FSyI
Insurance Liaison Coordinator

    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentThank you very much Mike for your quick response.


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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

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