The Evolution of Keeping Your Money Safe

In this article we will delve into the evolution of money safes and how new technologies, advancements and areas of money safety have developed over many years.

Crime rates continue to make headlines across the world. In the UK, documented offences increased by 16% between March 2021-2022, largely due to the easing of lockdown restrictions. These figures will encourage people to tighten their security measures, from improving door locks to upgrading their safes.

People may depend on their safes as a trustworthy solution, but it hasn’t always been this way. Here, we’ll explore the enlightening history of the safe, including its evolution and innovation around the globe.

Money chests through the ages

There have been multiple forms of security solutions throughout history. Money chests, for example, were recorded during the Roman Empire (50-100 AD), with drawings of boxes with iron rivets and locks enlightening historians today. These continue through the Medieval ages, with detailed accounts of ironclad chests in Småland, Sweden, from as far back as 1200 AD, and southern Germany in approximately 1500 AD.

Medieval money chests were exquisitely ornamental. They may have been designed to represent the luxuries they stored, but this didn’t stop innovators through the ages. In fact, by the eighteenth century, money chests began to favour functionality over vanity, displaying little detail on the exterior. One chest, originating from France in 1767 AD, has been recorded to have twelve self-closing obliquely bevelled lock bolts.

The evolution of functionality

Money chests aren’t used as a viable security solution anymore. They evolved into the safes we recognise today. British engineer William Marr, for example, is known for inventing the first fireproof safe, with his patent dating back to 1834. The design achieved its functionality with durable materials, such as crushed marble with clay and porcelain as the binding agents.

The industry thrived in the eighteenth century. In turn, businesses across the world began using safes on their premises, including companies in Sweden. This approach also extended to other forms of security solutions, such as locked cabinets and reinforced vault doors. The latter examples were often manufactured with a front-sheet metal wall and alarm tape, displaying a distinct evolution from money safes found in the Medieval Age.

Contemporary security solutions

The innovation and evolution of security solutions are apparent in contemporary society. Commercial premises use safes, vaults, and cabinets to protect their valuables. To find out more about the value of these, Berry Louise Oldman, Head of Marketing at Associated Security, a manufacturer of security solutions, has commented:

“It’s no secret that demand creates supply. The same applies to the nature of safes, as a need for increased security in business has fuelled the significant evolution of these mechanisms. Nowadays, manufacturers continue to strive for excellence with intricate locking systems and reinforced steel doors.

“It is our ability to reuse materials, however, that separates contemporary manufacturers from our predecessors. The rise of reconditioned safes represents the resourcefulness necessary for a sustainable future in the industry, reducing and reusing materials wherever possible. But reconditioned doesn’t compromise on quality.

“Here at Associated Security, we offer only the highest-quality security solutions. Our reconditioned solutions range from reliable safes to cabinets and strong rooms. And while it’s important to recognise how far the security sector has come, we must continue striving for excellence and compete with the market.”

Security solutions have come a long way, but there’s nothing to say that the next innovation isn’t around the corner. History isn’t held under lock and key.

Source

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/crime-outcomes-in-england-and-wales-2021-to-2022/crime-outcomes-in-england-and-wales-2021-to-2022

https://www.historicallocks.com/en/site/h/safes/20-money-chests/

https://www.historicallocks.com/en/site/h/safes/20-money-chests/medieval-sweden/

https://www.historicallocks.com/en/site/h/safes/20-money-chests/eighteenth-century-money-chests/

https://www.historicallocks.com/en/site/h/safes/safes-and-vaults/safes/