salesman sample safe deposit box question

dylan1206

HI,
Just acquired a William H. Butler New York Imporved Safety Deposit Box salesman
sample. 4 in. x 4.5 in. x 3.75 in. Four compartments with only one door. I believe
it only came with one door. very small brass lock on this door. I believe the lock
is Butler’s patent from 1856. Rough on left side, top, back with respect to paint.
Front and right side (with butler writing) is very nice. 6 lbs, cast iron. I’m looking
for a value on a little salesman sample like this. The one door is about 2 × 1.24 inches.
Thanks for help. John Bushey

Dean Nickel

We really need pictures. Inside outside and a closeup of the lock and keys.

dylan1206

As I said, the paint on top, back, and far side of photo is not good but much still
present. I don’t believe it ever came with more than one door. Where the present door
is located it’s riveted on at hinges. On other three empty sections there is no round
evidence a rivet was ever present. I could be wrong, but with salesman samples it
would not have been necessary to have more than one door. The Valentine Butler
safes go way back, and he patented one lock in 1856. This differs from drawing but
contains a similar quote from the patent papers, patent number 15962. John
I’m just looking for outlet to sell it. I collect padlocks, Houdini, etc…
But, I have no idea what it might be worth. I have an offer, but don’t know what might
be fair. Thanks for help. John

dylan1206

Hi again,
Can anyone tell what this salesman sample safety deposit box might be worth?
Here are links to 4 more pictures, of front, inside, lock, and makers name (Butler
of Valentine and Butler Safes). The whold thing is only 4 × 4.5 × 3.75 inches.
Thanks, John

Dean Nickel

Not sure about how much. This would fall into that area of what you can get someone to pay. If I was to guess this was a demo that was started and never finished. That to the right person could be worth something.

dylan1206

HI, and thank you for information and opinion. Unfinished demo - interesting. I’ve also
been told it may be a patent model. I still believe it’s a salesman sample. I agree it
may have been unfinished. I truly see no evidence more than the one door was ever
present. I found a patent dated June 14th, 1870, patent #104,263, for William H. Butler
Improvement in Safe-Deposit Boxes. While the drawings show a longer box than this, of course smaller samples didn’t need to be the same dimensions. The patent shows four
compartments like this one. It was a William H. Buter patent, but assigned to Valentine & Butler Safe and Lock Company, NY. Any ideas who I could go to for a proper estimate
of value. I’ve been offered over $400 for it, but want to sell it for a fair price. Butler also
patented an improved lock in 1856. Anyway, thanks for your help. I’ll check with John
Erroll, bob dix, and Lynn Collins to see if they have any input. But, this is out of my
expertise. Thanks again, John