Historical Background
The “Emperor” safe is one of the most significant pieces in our collection. It was created in 1894 at the Franz Karlovich San-Galli factory in St. Petersburg, by personal order of Emperor Nicholas II. According to legend, the safe was presented as a gift to the merchant-philanthropist Sergei Mikhailovich Tretyakov in recognition of his contributions to Russian culture.
The safe survived the 1917 Revolution, the Civil War, the Siege of Leningrad, and was discovered in the basement of a mansion on Petrograd Side in 2010. Remarkably, the mechanism remained functional, and the red velvet interior was almost completely preserved.
Technical Specifications
- Manufacturer: Franz Karlovich San-Galli (St. Petersburg)
- Year of Manufacture: 1894
- Weight: 1250 kg
- Material: Cast steel with bronze trim
- Lock Type: Lever lock, 12 levers
- Condition: Restored. Original patina preserved.
Design Features
The “Emperor” safe is exceptionally reliable. The body is cast from high-quality steel, resistant to corrosion. The door is 8 cm thick and features a twelve-lever system — the pinnacle of engineering at the time.
Key Features:
- Twelve-lever system — Provides maximum protection against break-ins. Even an experienced safecracker would need several hours to pick the key.
- Fireproof asbestos layer — Protects the contents during a fire at temperatures up to 1200°C. The internal temperature does not exceed 50°C for one hour.
- Original bronze hardware — The handles, hinges, and decorative trims are cast from bronze using a technique lost in the 20th century.
- Engraving ‘For the Loyal’ — The inside of the door features an engraved message of gratitude from the Imperial family.
Interior
The interior is lined with handmade red velvet. The shelves and drawers are made of mahogany. The door features an engraving of the double-headed eagle with the monogram of Nicholas II. Every detail speaks to its Imperial heritage.
Why Purchase This Safe?
- Historical Value — A unique artifact connected to the House of Romanov.
- Investment Appeal — The value of such pieces increases by 15-20% annually.
- Functionality — The safe is fully operational and can be used for its intended purpose.
- Exclusivity — Only a few similar pieces exist in the world.
The “Emperor” safe is not just a storage unit; it is a witness to history, a collector’s item, and a masterpiece of engineering. Its acquisition is an investment in history that will be passed down through generations.