Decorative

ANTIQUE VICTORIAN TANN'S DEFIANCE BRASS SAFE PLAQUE ...

A rare and well-preserved example of VICTORIAN from London Fields, London, E. (England), Circa: 1875 -- 1895, noted for its craftsmanship, material quality, and historical relevance.

An authentic, 19th-century Victorian cast brass manufacturer's plaque from the renowned Tann's Defiance Safe & Lock Works. Located in London Fields, East London, the ''Defiance'' works were operated by Robert Tann, a member of the famous Tann family---England's oldest and most respected dynasty of safe makers (est. 1795). This heavy-gauge brass plaque features a magnificent Royal Coat of Arms (Lion and Unicorn) at the crest, signifying the brand's prestige and ''British-made'' security. The lettering is deeply embossed against a classic Victorian stippled (sand-cast) background for high-contrast visibility. It retains its original mounting ''ears'' on either side, which were used to bolt the plate to the heavy iron door of a fire-resistant safe.\n\nCondition: The plaque is in excellent antique condition with a rich, natural patina. The casting is crisp, and the brass shows genuine age-related character without the loss of detail often seen in over-polished pieces. The reverse shows the authentic rough texture of 19th-century sand-casting.\n\nSummary for Buyers/Collectors: This is a prime example of British industrial heritage. Unlike smaller circular badges, this large-format shield plaque was reserved for the company''s more substantial, high-security safes. It is a perfect piece for collectors of locksmithing history, Victorian ironmongery, or industrial ''Steampunk'' décor.

— Details

Reference

SA1205534

Origin

London Fields, London, E. (England), Circa: 1875 -- 1895

Period

VICTORIAN

Dimensions

W 6cm × H 18cm

Provenance

An authentic, 19th-century Victorian cast brass manufacturer's plaque from the renowned Tann's Defiance Safe & Lock Works. Located in London Fields, East London, the ''Defiance'' works were operated by Robert Tann, a member of the famous Tann family---England's oldest and most respected dynasty of safe makers (est. 1795).

Condition

Excellent — see description