Up for sale is an antique Bronze S. C. Herring & Co Fireproof Safe plaque or plate. This plate was originally attached to the front of an old iron fire proof safe. It was made by Silas C. Herring & Co. and includes the date of patent "Issue" being "May 18, 1852". The plate/plague also has the following inscribed on it " 251 Broadway Co. R Murray St. New York" .This company won a bronze medal in 1867 for fire-proof and burglar-proof safes that were made of wrought iron, steel bars, and patented crystallized iron, which was advertised as "the only metal which cannot be drilled by a burglar." Several companies made safes advertised as fire-proof and tests were run on various brands to see which were best.The plate features a test furnace and with four men nearby. Two of the men (on the left side) appear to be safe-crackers being apprehended near a safe, while the other two men (on the right side) represent the happy satisfied owners/bankers of another safe with valuables inside is shown as being indestructible and truly SAFE! It also shows a building on fire with safes inside.The plate/plaque measures approximately 6 1/2" in length and 4 1/4" in height. There is no physical damage to this piece or repairs anywhere. There is some discoloration from age to the bronze and could definitely benefit from a good cleaning if you choose. Please see all photos. What you see is exactly what you get. If you have any questions please ask. Happy bidding and good luck!