JESSE DELANO & SONS HOBNAIL IRON SAFE,Early 19th Century. Made by Jesse Delano & Sons, of Water Street, NYC. (1825-59). Lockbox having applied hobnails to exterior to all sides and old back paint; worn red paint to interior. Enclosed boltwork lock is present, but no key. ' - 21 3/4" high x 19" wide x 18 5/8" deep. Estimate $800-1,200
NOTE: Jesse Delano & Sons manufactured iron chests in New York City. In 1826, he patented an improvement in fire proof safes which consisted of coating the wooden foundation with a composition of equal parts, clay and lime, plumbago and mica or saturating the wood in a solution of potash lye and alum, to render it incombustible. The first safes manufactured in this country were lined with wood and knob-chests were then covered with thin sheet-iron, then banded and strapped, and the whole nailed fast with larger nails, having prominent knobs or cast-iron heads.'
Lacking the key and fittings to the interior. Lock is present.
