Tell me about my small cast-iron safe that has been in the family for 100 years. It is 6 inches high, 5 inches wide and 4 inches deep. It is marked 'Security Safe' and 'Deposit.' It is painted black.
L.L.
Sun City Center
This miniature cast-iron safe with a double combination lock is a toy still-bank manufactured around the turn of the century. It was designed to teach kids how to save, although families also used toy still-banks to squirrel away cash.
According to an expert I talked to, it may have been sold by Ives of Bridgeport, Conn., a well-known American toy maker and wholesaler; however, several companies made similar banks. Most were retailed by mail-order firms.
It has been repainted, probably due to rust, noticeable because the original paint scheme had gold highlights on the embossed decoration. It appears that there is a missing part inside, along with rust damage. It would retail for $125.
I would like to know the value of my walnut slant-front desk that dates from 1810. It is signed on the interior. It is 39 inches wide, 44 inches high and 21 inches deep.
D.R.
Charlottesville, Va.
It probably was made in Pennsylvania between 1790 and 1810, but the place of origin can only be confirmed by a hands-on look. It appears to be made of figured birch or walnut. I cannot identify the secondary wood without photos.
The desk is a rural piece. No doubt, it has been refinished and the hardware replaced. As always with early case pieces, the feet are suspect, since they often were replaced due to wear. The signature probably is that of an owner.
It is a very nice desk and would retail for at least $3,200. If there were serious repairs, such as replaced feet, reconstructed drawers or any other problems, it would sell for less.
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