You are here:
Antique Safes/Safe
Advertisement
Question
Dear sir,
i have got a safe dating to 1900 just wonderd if it have any value inside the safe. it has a name called John tann's list patentee c london and front of the safe it say's john tann's reliance safe. i have got the keys and it's at its oragial form. there a serial number on the side of the lock hinge does that mean anything
Thank you
Bobby
contact no: 07791504696
Bobby,
Yes your safe has value. John Tann is one of the world's oldest safe maker, established by Edward Tann in 1799. They were made at the Reliance Safe Works and all models carried the name John Tann Reliance Safe together with the anchor logo. Over the years there have been hundreds of different models, some high grade, some low.
While the older safes do not meet current standards for fire or burglary, they can be restored to use as "display" safes, or for low security applications. Recommendations would be for use as wine storage cabinets, cigar humidors, small collections that need a lockable display, etc.
In order to identify, evaluate or appraise your safe, I'm going to need photos. They should include full exterior and interior. Detail photos should include pictures of the dial, handles, hinges, artwork, locks, bolt work, castors, cabinetry and any special details or damage. Note: You may have to remove the back panel on the door to gain access to the lock & bolt work – I will need these pics. If you have a particular detail that you have a question about, I will need a photo of it.
Please use as high a resolution as possible. Pictures which are low resolution, out of focus, or from a distance don’t help when we try to evaluate the container. Note: with higher resolution, you may only be able to send 2-4 pictures per email, depending on the size of the file. If photos are larger than 2mb each, you may only be able to send two per email.
Please send all of the requested photos to: andy@securitysafeusa.com
Our informal evaluation is at no charge, however if you need a formal evaluation or appraisal for insurance, estate sales, or to establish it as an antique, there is an administrative fee for this service.
Note: In evaluation pricing would be based on what the safe would be worth on the west coast of the USA. If you want a price or evaluation of your safe that would give you a better idea of its value in the UK, I would suggest you contact an antiques dealer in your area. You can also contact Mike Palmer at the following email for an evaluation. mike.palmer@tiscali.co.uk.
Andy
Related Articles
Answers by Expert:
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
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.