Sandbanks Antiques has dated this Antique Brass Safe Plaque to the Victorian era.
Provenance & History:
Located in London Fields, East London, the "Defiance" works were operated by Robert Tann, a member of the famous Tann family—England’s oldest and most respected dynasty of safe makers (est. 1795).
This heavy-gauge brass plaque features a magnificent Royal Coat of Arms (Lion and Unicorn) at the crest, signifying the brand’s prestige and "British-made" security. The lettering is deeply embossed against a classic Victorian stippled (sand-cast) background for high-contrast visibility. It retains its original mounting "ears" on either side, which were used to bolt the plate to the heavy iron door of a fire-resistant safe.
Condition:
The plaque is in excellent antique condition with a rich, natural patina. The casting is crisp, and the brass shows genuine age-related character without the loss of detail often seen in over-polished pieces. The reverse shows the authentic rough texture of 19th-century sand-casting.
Technical Specifications
Manufacturer: Robert Tann (Defiance Safe & Lock Works)
Origin: London Fields, London, E. (England)
Circa: 1875 – 1895
Material: Solid Cast Brass
Dimensions: 6cm (Width) x 18cm (Height)
Weight: Substantial / Heavy-duty casting
Summary for Buyers/Collectors:
This is a prime example of British industrial heritage. Unlike smaller circular badges, this large-format shield plaque was reserved for the company's more substantial, high-security safes. It is a perfect piece for collectors of locksmithing history, Victorian ironmongery, or industrial "Steampunk" décor.
Sandbanks Antiques has dated this Antique Brass Safe Plaque to the Victorian era.
Specialising in antique silver, gold boxes, gold coins and objects de vertu. Rare fine-quality imperial chinese porcelain, jades, cloisonné
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Sandbanks Antiques Profile Page
Antique Victorian Tann’s Defiance Brass Safe Plaque – London Fields – C. 1880
