Safe with Andrews Patent Combination Lock, American Bank Lock Co.,
New York, NY, 1841. National Museum of American History,
Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC

Safes are among the most common items seen in photographs of late 19th century and early 20th century offices. Until 1820, safes, or "iron chests" as they were often called, were designed to protect against burglars, but they did not offer substantial protection against fire. Safes designed to protect their contents against fire were introduced beginning around 1820, but safes that successfully protected their contents against major building fires were not marketed until the early 1840s. After that, safes were routinely used in offices to protect against both fire and burglars. Typically, interior wooden partitions in office safes were designed to hold ledgers and other papers. In the 19th century, at around $150 to $225 for typical sizes, safes were the most expensive item of office equipment.