NCL4701
Well-known member
Equipment
L4701, T2290, WC68, grapple, BB1572 box scrape, Howes 500, 16kW IMD gen, WG24
Maybe odd to post on a tractor forum but there seem to be quite a few folks on here with knowledge well beyond orange tractors.
This safe has been in my family for many years. Who exactly purchased it, where and when: no clue.
What I do know…
It has a key lock, skeleton key for the main door. Turn clockwise once to lock. Turn clockwise twice and it “double locks”. If double locked you have to insert the key half way, 1/4 turn counterclockwise, then back to starting position, insert fully, one turn counterclockwise to open. The handle doesn’t turn, just a dead knob. The key moves the bolts. It’s a box inside of a box design with some sort of insulating material in between. Once the main door is open there’s an inside door that requires a second skeleton key and a couple little wooden drawers behind that door that require a third skeleton key. There are also dividers for organizing papers. Inside setup is pretty typical for an office style safe. Manufactured by Eisenman & Mangold, 156 Vine St, Philadelphia, PA. Found an 1864 notice in an archive of Press - Philadelphia (a newspaper) listing a Eisenman & Mangold Salamander safe for sale as part of an estate sale. Unable to find any other record of this company. 156 Vine St is still there but looks like fancy town houses currently. This thing weighs a LOT, particularly for its size.
What I think I know…
“Salamander” safes were marketed as fireproof safes. Doesn’t seem to be a manufacturer specific model or term. That explains the box in box with insulation between design. There’s no damage so I can’t tell what kind of insulation it has. Overall weight suggests concrete or something of similar density. That or the steel plating is quite thick. This type safe was first manufactured around 1840. Key locks started going out in favor of combination locks in the 1880’s and 90’s.
Don’t see any external rivets on it. Will look at it harder in the morning to see how it’s joined together: hammer welded, riveted, gas welded, stick welded, etc.
Anyway, if there are any antique safe experts out there that know anything about this thing: how old it is, if it’s worth anything, if it’s really fire resistant, what happened to Eisenman & Mangold Makers of 156 Vine St., your knowledge would be greatly appreciated.
BTW: It still works perfectly and is still used.
This safe has been in my family for many years. Who exactly purchased it, where and when: no clue.
What I do know…
It has a key lock, skeleton key for the main door. Turn clockwise once to lock. Turn clockwise twice and it “double locks”. If double locked you have to insert the key half way, 1/4 turn counterclockwise, then back to starting position, insert fully, one turn counterclockwise to open. The handle doesn’t turn, just a dead knob. The key moves the bolts. It’s a box inside of a box design with some sort of insulating material in between. Once the main door is open there’s an inside door that requires a second skeleton key and a couple little wooden drawers behind that door that require a third skeleton key. There are also dividers for organizing papers. Inside setup is pretty typical for an office style safe. Manufactured by Eisenman & Mangold, 156 Vine St, Philadelphia, PA. Found an 1864 notice in an archive of Press - Philadelphia (a newspaper) listing a Eisenman & Mangold Salamander safe for sale as part of an estate sale. Unable to find any other record of this company. 156 Vine St is still there but looks like fancy town houses currently. This thing weighs a LOT, particularly for its size.
What I think I know…
“Salamander” safes were marketed as fireproof safes. Doesn’t seem to be a manufacturer specific model or term. That explains the box in box with insulation between design. There’s no damage so I can’t tell what kind of insulation it has. Overall weight suggests concrete or something of similar density. That or the steel plating is quite thick. This type safe was first manufactured around 1840. Key locks started going out in favor of combination locks in the 1880’s and 90’s.
Don’t see any external rivets on it. Will look at it harder in the morning to see how it’s joined together: hammer welded, riveted, gas welded, stick welded, etc.
Anyway, if there are any antique safe experts out there that know anything about this thing: how old it is, if it’s worth anything, if it’s really fire resistant, what happened to Eisenman & Mangold Makers of 156 Vine St., your knowledge would be greatly appreciated.
BTW: It still works perfectly and is still used.
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