THOMAS MILNER PATENTED IRON SAFETY BOX

Original Thomas Milner iron safety box, UK circa 1840, the lid's clasp bearing stamped manufacturers marks, the underside of the lid retaining its original factory paper label; 27.9 x 47 x 35.6cm (11 x 18 1/2 x 14in) - Thomas Milner was a tinsmith and metal box maker originally from Sheffield, moving to Liverpool in 1830 where he began producing sheet iron safety boxes that incorporated his newly patented fire-resistant composition; after his death in 1849, his son William took over production and renamed the business Milner and Son; Milner safes are the third oldest makers of safes in the United Kingdom