Oldest safes in the world

[safeman]

Surely the earliest security was 'strongboxes'? The 'receptacle safe from fire and theft' was due to Marr's fireproof lining patent of 1834, I submit. I date the safe from that.
Logically, 'plate safes', which have no fire protection, ought to be called 'secures', but that battle was lost long ago.

Yes. Strongboxes or Chests. Used by Merchants who took them on their travels in coaches and Inns hence the handles.
The Marr Patent was a laughing stock at the time. The early makers such as Edward Tann and Leadbetter who both supplied the lockmaker Chubb made wrought iron Bookcases and Cupboards with their own locks fitted.

Thos. Milner's moisture generating compound captured the market. It was copied by Tann who were forced to alter their mixture in conformity.

Plate Safes were so catalogued for the protection of Silver Plate in the Butler's Pantry.

Edward Tann and Leadbetters both made safes for Chubb and began to fit linings and filling the space with whitening which was Chubb's version of fire-resisting lining.