Posted: 1/13/2015 7:07:42 AM EDT
[#3]
That's a beautiful safe. I'd proudly have that in my house for $800.
Somebody else's website said:
BARNES SAFE & LOCK COMPANY (1870-1920) Pittsburg, PA (see Burke & Barnes Safe Manufactures)
Originally the Burke & Barnes Safe of Pittsburgh. Barnes left the company in the early 1870’s. The Barnes Safe & Lock Company lasted until the 1920’s.
Thomas Barnes was the founder and was listed as a safe maker in the 1840’s.
Note: Pittsburgh was originally named with its present spelling 22 April, 1794. It was briefly referred to as Pittsburg in the late 1800’s. The name Pittsburgh was officially restored in 1911.
From: The story of Pittsburgh, 1908.
Of Pittsburgh’s many industrial romances, none is more interesting than the story of the Barnes safe. It is not generally known that the modern fire-proof safe originated from the great Pittsburgh fire of 1845. Thomas Barnes, a blacksmith, and his brother–in-law, Edmund Burke, a locksmith early in 1845 established the firm of Burke & Barnes to make iron cellar doors, grill work and strong boxes. Then came the fire, destroying almost half of down-town or business Pittsburgh. Deeds, records and other valuable papers were burned. While people were speculating for some way in which such papers could be preserved against fire Mr. Barnes was experimenting; the result was the beginning of the now world-famous Barnes fire proof safe. Crude as it may have been it contained every principle of the most advanced fire proof construction of today. Every test was a further certificate of merit. Burke & Barnes were the pioneer safe makers of the western hemisphere.
The march of Barnes safes from then to now has been through continuous victories over all odds. Soon after the Civil War Mr. Barnes perfected the seven-flange door safe, which has received world-wide approval as the most absolute protection against fire ever invented. It was about this time that Mr. Burke retired, Mr. Barnes becoming sole owner and introducing the name Barnes Safe & Lock Co,, which has since been retained. Mr. Barnes has been gone many years, but the result of his ingenuity continues to grow by leaps and bounds. The entire business is now owned by his daughter, Mrs. F.Barnes Newell. Max McClafferty has general direction of the business as general manager and treasurer. The general offices and works are at 325 third avenue, Pittsburgh, where 163 persons are employed in various phases of the business and manufacture. Branch offices are maintained in all principal cities. View Quote
Source
Despite what the article says, I know that Barnes did NOT invent fire retardant safe tech. Take it for the advertising it is.
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