Antique Milners safe. ( Appraisal )

[leele2]

Hi, was looking to get a rough idea on how much this safe is worth. I've spent some time researching the company and trying to find similar safes but just can't quite find a matching one with a price. I don't have much experience with antiques so was hoping some one could help me out many thanks, lee

The safe is 26in tall, 20in wide and 20in depth.
The main plate reads: "Milners 212 Patent Fire-Restisting
Also on the sides off the main plate reads: "Improved for the goverment Registry & Courts 1857
Key plate reads: "Milners Safe Powderproof Solid Lock Liverpool London"
The safe also has an engraving off 0-3113 which matches with the engraving on the key.
Here's some photo's ( click to enlarge )












Any help would be much appreciated.
Regards, lee

[bigwull]

this is it ..i think...just scroll down...asking price 7,200 Rand = $723 approx ..in 2010....this one is slightly bigger....28in x 22in x 22in.....this one is in better cosmetic cond....but..it does look as if it has been painted...as it is in too good cond for being 150 years old....but it is the genuine article

http://www.bidorbuy.co.za/item/76738027/1857_PATENT_MILNERS_212_FIRE_RESISTING_SAFE.html

another...different door front...

http://www.bidorbuy.co.za/item/93530373/Beautiful_MILNERS_212_Patent_Antique_Fire_Resistant_Safe_pls_see_description_for_shipping.html

[bigwull]

Milner made safes from the mid 1800s and after merging with Chatwood nearly 100 years later, safes were marked Chatwood Milner. Subsequently they were bought by Chubb in 1962. The Chubb company changed hands until becoming part of the Assa Abloy group. Assa kept the door lock side but immediately sold the safe business to Gunnebo who currently use the name on safes under licence from AssaAbloy.

if yours is only marked with Milner...then we can  assume that it is from the mid 1800,s...but it may be into the 1900.s

[bigwull]

Milners: Thomas Milner was a tinsmith who, having served his apprenticeship in his father’s factory, began making safes in Sheffield at the turn of the 19th century. In 1830 he moved to Liverpool and established Thomas Milner & Son in partnership with his son, William.  In 1874, the name was changed to Milners Safe Company and continued with this name until the amalgamation with Chatwood in 1956.  At one time Milners was considered the largest safe maker in the world....

The number ‘212‘, often seen on Milner’s brass safe plates,  refers to the temperature (Fahrenheit) at which water boils. Insulation of the safe contents was provided by the proofing material in the body and door of the safe. This contained crystals that,  when heated by the fire, emitted steam which was absorbed by the proofing mass