Herring - Wilder Patent Salamander Safe, ca. 1850. This safe is fireproof as denoted by the Wilder Salamander nameplate on the door(in ancient mythology salamanders were thought to posses the ability to survive and extinguish fires). Wilder was one of the first to patent the fireproof safe in 1840 and the patent was licensed to Silas Herring of New York. Double doors with key lock and iron bar hasp. The locking mechanism is intact in the door but there is no key available. The large iron bar hasp has a large key operated padlock with the key. The back of the padlock is stamped WF&Co EX and the front is stamped No 1. The safe is painted a dark green and black with WELLS FARGO & CO in gold with red shadow across the top. The safe is mounted on wheels. The interior has fitted wood compartments for ledgers and boxes. The safe overall measures 51.25" wide, 29.5" deep, 57.25" tall. This safe has been in the same California family for over 50 years. The first Wells Fargo office opened San Francisco, California, USA, in 1852. Wells, Fargo and Company was founded to provide express and banking services to California, which was undergoing massive expansion due to the California Gold Rush. There is a very good possibility that this safe came from a California Wells Fargo office. And yes, it is VERY heavy.