Antique 1800\'s Railroad Gold Bullion Strong Box Vanderman For Sale

This is a fantastic gold bullion strong box used during the American Gold Rush. This strong box was made by the Vanderman Mfg. Co., Willimantic, Conn, patented July 13, 1897. It weighs about 125 lbs. It is made of 1/8\" steel formed into rectangular shape. On the top are three wood staves riveted to the steel as \"bumpers.\" There is also one continuous \"bumper\" horizontally around the center of the box and another along the top and bottom rims. These staves are 1 x 2\".
The lid is attached by riveted hinges sealed in part under the top bumper stave. The corners all have custom fit steel reinforcing at every outside edge point. The Vanderman brass plaque is at lower center on the front panel. The locking mechanism is a hasp riveted to the lid and body that held a large diameter hasp lock, probably a typical railroad lock. Additional locking mechanisms are in each of the two upper corners of the lid and body. A locking bolt system appears to have been utilized here, again probably using a padlock of some type, perhaps two more railroad style locks. The bolt-pins are not longer present. The body of the box is constructed of one single, large, folded formed piece of steel which occupies the entire front, bottom and side panels.The two end panels are attached by connected and overlapping folds that are riveted on 2\" centers. There are six handles - two single (fit one hand each) handles on both the front and back panels, and one large handle (fits two hands) on each end. In this manner, eight people can carry the box, which if full of typical bullion shipments, carried gold bars packed individual boxes packed in sawdust. Each handle has a stop mechanism that does not allow the handle to go beyond a 90 degree position, thus, no hands could be crushed if full. It is estimated that the box might have contained as many as eight large gold bars of about 100 pounds each if full.This antique bullion strongbox is an important piece of railroad and gold rush Americana in which enormous gold shipments were made.It is in incredible condition, and would make a beautiful addition to any collection or as a part of your home decor.I will consider shipping this item within the continental US if buyer pays all freight costs. Item weighs 125 lbs.

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