Hailing from Gueux, in the northeast of France, this incombustible cast iron safe was constructed by the French company, Bauche, circa 1870, as indicated by the foliate placard on the front façade. Beneath the placard are a pair of (functional) tumblers set within a riveted rectangle. On each side of the rectangle is a large roundel, with the one on the left having a swiveling front that covers the lock. Once the proper sequence has been initiated, the safe opens to reveal a green felt-lined interior.

The iron, which has a black finish, has been assembled in the patented manner set forth by Henri Bauche when he founded his company in 1864 (as indicated on the placard Systeme Bauch Brevete S.G.D.G.). His fireproof products were crafted using seamless boxes, separated by refractory material, and then riveted together, as seen by the large exposed nailheads that line the edges of our safe. A functional safe that can be used to store valuables in an office or game room, it would also make quite an impact as a decorative accessory.

CONDITION: Good antique condition. Fleabites and light oxidation. There is a missing nailhead to the top. The tumblers are functional and need to be turned to the correct letters to open the safe. A slide on the inside of the door needs to be lifted to lock the safe.