Safe

1750-1775

ProbablyEngland

Iron, paint, gilding

Overall: 42 1/4 x 21 3/4 x 20 3/8 in. ( 107.3 x 55.2 x 51.8 cm )

Gift of William Leonard Nicoll

1949.268

According to information received from the donor, this safe was acquired by his ancestor Gerard Bancker (1740-1799) from William Alexander (Lord Stirling) in 1783. Bancker, who had been appointed Treasurer of the State of New York in 1778, used the safe until the end of his tenure in 1798. The safe then passed to his brother, Evert Bancker; then to Evert's son, Charles Nicoll Bancker; then to Charles's son, James Albert Bancker, a great-uncle of the donor.

DescriptionRectangular black-painted iron safe with three molded panels on each side with gilded decoration; with large handle on top shaped like an elongated ring and two smaller handles of similar shape at edge of door.

Markingshandwritten(?): on label affixed to inside of door: "This iron chest / was given by / William Alexander / (Lord Stirling) to his / cousin Gerard / Bancker who was / Treasurer of New York / State from 1778 to / 1798. / The chest contained / the money of New York."

ClassificationsBUSINESS TOOLS & EQUIPMENT