What is the historical significance of a George Price safe?

George Price was a prominent 19th-century lock and safe manufacturer based in Wolverhampton, England, renowned for inventing fireproof and burglar-resistant iron safes during the Victorian era.

What materials were used in the construction of Victorian safes?

Victorian safes were constructed from thick cast or wrought iron plates, often lined with fire-resistant compositions of alum, clay, or sawdust, and fitted with solid brass handles, escutcheons, and lever locking mechanisms.

How do you identify an authentic George Price antique safe?

Authentic examples typically feature brass maker plates or cast insignia displaying the George Price Wolverhampton mark, distinct heavy brass T-bar handles, and original internal key-operated lever lock structures.

How can an antique iron safe be styled in modern interiors?

An antique iron safe functions well as a standalone accent piece, side table, or secure beverage cabinet in an office, library, or living space, pairing effectively with dark timber or industrial finishes.

How should a restored painted iron safe be maintained?

Clean the painted exterior with a soft, dry microfibre cloth to remove dust, avoiding abrasive chemical solvents that could damage gilded pinstriping, and apply graphite powder sparingly to keep mechanical locks operational.

reserved SA977368

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Lincoln Restorations

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Restored Victorian Safe

Antique Locking Cabinet

Id #SA977368

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SAVE

Antique George Price Luxury Ornate Fireproof Safe Fully Restored with Keys Vintage

19th century

For Sale by Lincoln Restorations (Reserved for a buyer)

Description

Original Antique "George Price" Fully Restored Luxury safe.

A very rare George Price safe in a stunning fully restored condition.

We bring to you this very rare excellently restored condition "George Price" Patent steel safe made in Wolverhampton around C1870. This fantastic quality and very secure safe is truly a museum piece and has had no expense spared in its 'nut & bolt' full restoration completely carried out in house by us - Lincoln Restorations.

The George Price safe company were established in 1840, however, George Price himself died, still very prosperous, in 1887. He and William Dawes produced first class safes, and his best ne plus ultra locks remain unpickable to this day. His close competitors and rival Chubb survived, Chatwood and Milners survived as Chatwood-Milner, while Price was taken over by Gibbons, in 1906, and thus the company name disappeared. There are multiple write ups for the George Price full history available with a quick google if you are interested in finding out more about them as a company.

This lovely safe features its original paint design in its 2 tone colours with a royal influence. The safe is finished in a muted sapphire blue, in a panelled paint design with black borders. The paintwork is single stage paint (not lacquered) exactly as it would have been originally. The safe is complemented by the ornate traditionally hand-painted gold coach lines which is the finishing touch and beautifully embellishes the safe. This safe has been fully restored from bare metal, having been stripped and linished to ensure the highest quality refurbishment possible. The lovely original brasswork has then been highly polished.

This safe features its highly ornate beautifully polished brass royal coat of arms. The am azing solid brass handle reminds us of a bolt action rifle as the mechanism is sturdy and has a satisfying double latching action in a smoothly working order. The key cannot be taken out unless the safe is either locked open or locked closed for key security. The external lock is working smoothly with 2 keys and the round brass keyhole escutcheon has a lovely lift up lid with the words 'GEORGE PRICE PATENTEE WOLVERHAMPTON' cast into the lid which elegantly covers the keyhole when not in use.

The i nside of the safe has been stripped and re painted to mimic the exterior with gold embellishments keeping the theme throughout. The safe also has 2 internal secure locking drawers complete with 2 keys and gold coach-lines to the front. The drawers have their original polished brass dropper handles and keyhole escutcheons.

Our upholstery department has made high quality full grain leather removable liners which is colour matched to the blue paintwork. These 3 liners line the shelf and each drawer to keep your valuables and the safe itself protected from scratches or damage when items are stored inside. The safe is included with a removable automatic rechargeable (via USB-C) lithium-ion powered light for the interior which comes on only when the door is opened.

This safe is ideal for storing important paperwork, house deeds, birth certificates, passports, cash, jewellery or anything else of value and is obviously rather safe. This safe would look fabulous in a loft style apartment or vintage themed home and would certainly be an interesting talking point for guests. This item could also be used as a small coffee table with storage.

Please note; This item is in very good condition for its age but will obviously have the odd blemish and scuff here and there. However, we feel that this adds to the charm and authenticity of the item with it being Antique.

Also note this item is Heavy (130kg) , so please see our delivery section near the end of our listing.

Dimensions

External size

Height: 615mm

Width: 460mm

Depth (not including handle): 495mm

Size of internal

Physical Dimensions

Height

61cm (24.02")

Width

46cm (18.11")

Depth

49cm (19.29")

Declaration

Lincoln Restorations has dated this Restored Antique Iron Safe to the Victorian era.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA977368

Dealers Notes

To place an order with us or see the services we offer, please visit our website.

To find an item quickly on our website, use the selling antiques item number (omitting the SA) in the search bar at the top of the page on our website.

- www.lincolnrestorations.co.uk -

Description

Original Antique "George Price" Fully Restored Luxury safe.

A very rare George Price safe in a stunning fully restored condition.

“

We bring to you this very rare excellently restored condition "George Price" Patent steel safe made in Wolverhampton around C1870.

Lincoln Restorations

This fantastic quality and very secure safe is truly a museum piece and has had no expense spared in its 'nut & bolt' full restoration completely carried out in house by us - Lincoln Restorations.

fig 1. A heavy restored Victorian cast iron safe featuring a deep blue and black lacquered exterior with gold pinstriping and a brass royal coat of arms crest. — fig 1. Antique George Price Luxury Ornate Fireproof Safe Fully Restored with Keys Vintage

The George Price safe company were established in 1840, however, George Price himself died, still very prosperous, in 1887. He and William Dawes produced first class safes, and his best ne plus ultra locks remain unpickable to this day. His close competitors and rival Chubb survived, Chatwood and Milners survived as Chatwood-Milner, while Price was taken over by Gibbons, in 1906, and thus the company name disappeared. There are multiple write ups for the George Price full history available with a quick google if you are interested in finding out more about them as a company.

fig 2. A heavy restored Victorian cast iron safe featuring a deep blue and black lacquered exterior with gold pinstriping and a brass royal coat of arms crest. — fig 2. Antique George Price Luxury Ornate Fireproof Safe Fully Restored with Keys Vintage

This lovely safe features its original paint design in its 2 tone colours with a royal influence. The safe is finished in a muted sapphire blue, in a panelled paint design with black borders. The paintwork is single stage paint (not lacquered) exactly as it would have been originally. The safe is complemented by the ornate traditionally hand-painted gold coach lines which is the finishing touch and beautifully embellishes the safe. This safe has been fully restored from bare metal, having been stripped and linished to ensure the highest quality refurbishment possible. The lovely original brasswork has then been highly polished.

fig 3. A heavy restored Victorian cast iron safe featuring a deep blue and black lacquered exterior with gold pinstriping and a brass royal coat of arms crest. — fig 3. Antique George Price Luxury Ornate Fireproof Safe Fully Restored with Keys Vintage

This safe features its highly ornate beautifully polished brass royal coat of arms. The am azing solid brass handle reminds us of a bolt action rifle as the mechanism is sturdy and has a satisfying double latching action in a smoothly working order. The key cannot be taken out unless the safe is either locked open or locked closed for key security. The external lock is working smoothly with 2 keys and the round brass keyhole escutcheon has a lovely lift up lid with the words 'GEORGE PRICE PATENTEE WOLVERHAMPTON' cast into the lid which elegantly covers the keyhole when not in use.

fig 4. A heavy restored Victorian cast iron safe featuring a deep blue and black lacquered exterior with gold pinstriping and a brass royal coat of arms crest. — fig 4. Antique George Price Luxury Ornate Fireproof Safe Fully Restored with Keys Vintage

The i nside of the safe has been stripped and re painted to mimic the exterior with gold embellishments keeping the theme throughout. The safe also has 2 internal secure locking drawers complete with 2 keys and gold coach-lines to the front. The drawers have their original polished brass dropper handles and keyhole escutcheons.

fig 5. A heavy restored Victorian cast iron safe featuring a deep blue and black lacquered exterior with gold pinstriping and a brass royal coat of arms crest. — fig 5. Antique George Price Luxury Ornate Fireproof Safe Fully Restored with Keys Vintage

Our upholstery department has made high quality full grain leather removable liners which is colour matched to the blue paintwork. These 3 liners line the shelf and each drawer to keep your valuables and the safe itself protected from scratches or damage when items are stored inside. The safe is included with a removable automatic rechargeable (via USB-C) lithium-ion powered light for the interior which comes on only when the door is opened.

fig 6. A heavy restored Victorian cast iron safe featuring a deep blue and black lacquered exterior with gold pinstriping and a brass royal coat of arms crest. — fig 6. Antique George Price Luxury Ornate Fireproof Safe Fully Restored with Keys Vintage

This safe is ideal for storing important paperwork, house deeds, birth certificates, passports, cash, jewellery or anything else of value and is obviously rather safe. This safe would look fabulous in a loft style apartment or vintage themed home and would certainly be an interesting talking point for guests. This item could also be used as a small coffee table with storage.

fig 7. A heavy restored Victorian cast iron safe featuring a deep blue and black lacquered exterior with gold pinstriping and a brass royal coat of arms crest. — fig 7. Antique George Price Luxury Ornate Fireproof Safe Fully Restored with Keys Vintage

Please note; This item is in very good condition for its age but will obviously have the odd blemish and scuff here and there. However, we feel that this adds to the charm and authenticity of the item with it being Antique.