Tanns Defiance Safe

[adusa37]

First, thanks for this great resource.  Many years ago I restored an old safe, not knowing anything about it.  Would you know anything about, or know where I can find information about "Tanns defiance lock and safe company" London.  It is about 2 feet tall, 1.5 feet wide and 1.5 feet deep.  It has a skeleton-type key, with some lovely crests, and keyhole cover.  I am most interest in date of manufacture and any information on the company making the safe.  Again thanks for your time.

-Dave

[Jethro]

First, thanks for this great resource.  Many years ago I restored an old safe, not knowing anything about it.  Would you know anything about, or know where I can find information about "Tanns defiance lock and safe company" London.  It is about 2 feet tall, 1.5 feet wide and 1.5 feet deep.  It has a skeleton-type key, with some lovely crests, and keyhole cover.  I am most interest in date of manufacture and any information on the company making the safe.  Again thanks for your time.

-Dave

[Edmond]

Dave,

A good resource is www.safeman.org.uk, he has a lot of information about the British safes.  You can contact him at "[email protected] "

Based on the information that he has, Edward Tann & Sons, were founded in 1795.  He has a listing of Safemakers between 1842 and 1905 that list 3 different Tann Safe Manufactures, they were however all members of the same family, and probably sons of Edward Tann.  The most notable "John Tann" used the name "Reliance" after their lock patent.  While Robert used the name "Defiance" and George used the name "Trusty".

Robert & George would warn potential customers to be wary of imitations.

The years that Robert shows up on the list are 1900-1907 which would give you an approximate date for your safe.

You can also try contacting the factory at http://john-tann.com

they may be able to give you more info.

I would love to see pictures of your safe.

Good luck

Andy

[email protected]