They inspire admiration not only among lovers of old objects and antiques. They attract attention with their old design and security solutions of that time. They are the attraction of many rooms and there is no shortage of offers for potential buyers.
Unusual, unique and beautiful - this is how antique safes and armoured cash registers are often described. One of the reasons for admiration of them is undoubtedly interesting and original design, characteristic for a given period and place of production. Ornaments were made of brass, for example, but also gilded elements were added, e.g. crowns, eagles or manufacturers' coats of arms.
The origin is indicated by, among other things, signatures. Sometimes these were badges placed on the inside of the door. On them one can find, for example, information about awards received by a given manufacturer at various exhibitions.
Historical protection
Connoisseurs pay attention to the locking mechanisms and locks which were used in past centuries. The security devices of that time differ considerably from those on the market today. In previous centuries, locks were very different, sometimes with decorative signs. Some of them were opened with arrow keys, pocket-knive-keys or single-action keys.
However, the old solutions did not provide such perfect protection against thieves as the modern ones. Even if 2 or 3 locks were installed in an armoured cash box. However, you can find cash registers from the 19th century, which had a letter code lock. Only opening it unlocked access to the main lock. Manufacturers also used escutcheons with an alphabet, which were a substitute for the code lock. Sometimes the key could be inserted into the hole after pressing a hidden button, which e.g. lifted a decorative signboard.
The old cash registers are of various sizes. The weight of some models is about 300 kg. However, there are also heavier ones, weighing 500-600 kg, or even over a tonne.
Read also: 5 unobvious facts about safes and security features
Investment in a safe
Antique safes are attractive furnishings for many interiors. It is not without reason that they arouse the interest of customers. Nowadays, they can be found on auction portals or in advertising services, among others. There are strongboxes manufactured, for example, in Wrocław, Warsaw, Poznań, Dortmund, Stuttgart, Magdeburg and Vienna.
Prices vary, depending primarily on the age, condition and size of the model. In many cases, you have to pay several thousand or even tens of thousands of zlotys for restored items. There are also copies which are cheaper, but damaged. Those willing to do so will find specialists dealing with renovation of old safes and armoured cash boxes. Reconstruction of individual elements can be extremely difficult, time-consuming and usually expensive.
An antique model can be a sign of prestige. It may not only please the eye, but also prove to be a great capital investment. Undoubtedly, the value of such a "piece of furniture" should increase and provide an attractive rate of return. Especially that there is no shortage of connoisseurs.
Check out, too: 5 interesting facts about safes
