tann safe plate

[Gary Stephenson]

I have seen a John Tann safe plate fom 117 newgate st, with 2 dragons on the crest, rather than the lion and horse / unicorn one i normally see, is this a kosher plate or a knock off?

[safeman]

I have seen a John Tann safe plate fom 117 newgate st, with 2 dragons on the crest, rather than the lion and horse / unicorn one i normally see, is this a kosher plate or a knock off?

This will be an Excelsior Quality. I suppose this falls into the area where some makers compete to see who can offer the cheapest safe. The attached is Bill Stanton's detailed description of the safe.

[safeman]

This will be an Excelsior Quality. I suppose this falls into the area where some makers compete to see who can offer the cheapest safe. The attached is Bill Stanton's detailed description of the safe.

Here's an example. Tokens were traded like Green Stamps and here is an example found when scavenging the Thames shore. They offer a Tann safe for £5. Note: Not John Tann but R.Tann, Defiance Safes.

[Gary Stephenson]

cheers John, very interesting, I am now looking for info on Excelsior quality safes, will post up anything I find. Here is the plate in question

[Brian Morland MLA(Hon)]

Acording to the late Mike Fincher from his notes for this artefact "with City of London crest"

[Syd Waterman]

London Excelsior safe plate. No Manufacturer name.

[safeman]

London Excelsior safe plate. No Manufacturer name.

John Tann from 1913.

[Syd Waterman]

Attached Flyer Detailing Specifications and sizes available issued by The Excelsior Safe Co; 117 Newgate Street, London ,EC1

[safeman]

Attached Flyer Detailing Specifications and sizes available issued by The Excelsior Safe Co; 117 Newgate Street, London ,EC1

Great help Syd -thank you.

As Bill Stanton's notes tell us many of these safes were 'made out'. These illustrations shout Samuel Withers.

[Syd Waterman]

Hi John,
You could be correct thinking Samuel Withers. Attached page from their catalogue, showing very similar safe design , specifications and sizes available.