Chatwood steel safe / security cabinet

Furniture

Uncommon

Identified on October 27, 2026

Estimated Value

$150-$500 USD

A heavy black painted steel safe or security cabinet branded 'CHATWOOD' on the upper front panel. The door has a central key lock with a hanging key and a lower round knob or handle, suggesting a mechanical locking system. A small maker/supplier plate reads 'Supplied by William Jacks & Co. (Malaya) Ltd., Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, Penang,' indicating regional distribution in British Malaya. The safe has a utilitarian industrial design typical of office or commercial security furniture from the early-to-mid 20th century. The exterior shows substantial wear consistent with long-term use.

Era

Early to mid-20th century, likely 1930s-1950s

Origin

United Kingdom, with distribution/supply in Southeast Asia (Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, Penang)

Material

Painted steel/iron with brass or plated hardware

Condition

Fair to Good; visible surface wear, scuffs, dust, oxidation, and age-related paint loss. Lock hardware appears present, but overall finish is worn and the piece shows heavy use. No obvious structural damage visible from the exterior.

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Physical Details

Dimensions

Approximately 24-30 inches tall, 18-24 inches wide, and 18-24 inches deep (estimated from visible proportions)

Weight

Heavy

Authentication

Authenticity Score

Medium-High; the branding, construction, and supplier plaque are consistent with an authentic vintage safe, though exact model and date cannot be confirmed from the image alone.

Provenance

Likely manufactured by or for Chatwood, a known safe maker, and supplied through William Jacks & Co. in British Malaya. It was probably used in a business, office, shop, or institution in Southeast Asia during the colonial or early post-colonial period.

Historical Significance

Chatwood safes are associated with commercial security equipment used throughout the British Empire and Commonwealth. The supplier plaque is historically interesting because it ties the object to colonial-era trade networks in Malaya and Singapore, making it notable as a regional business artifact.

Restoration Notes

•No clear evidence of major restoration visible
•Possible repainting or touch-up cannot be ruled out
•Lock/key components may have been serviced or replaced, but this is not confirmable from the image

Learn more about this type of antique

This identification and value range are AI-generated research aids, not authentication, certification, or a formal appraisal. Learn about the limitations and when to consult a qualified professional appraiser.