TS 420 .F47 Copy 1 FIGHTING^ FlftE FOR Twenty-Six Years. v COMPRISING A HISTORY OF Herring's Patent Champion Safes. FIGHTING FIEE FOR TWENTY-SIX YEARS, BEING THE ACTUAL EXPERIENCE OF HERRING'S CELEBRATED SAFES, IN MOKE THAN X FIVE HUNDRED ACCIDENTAL TEIALS, With the Testimonials of their Owners. PUBLISHED BY Herring, Farrel & Sherman, 251 Broadway, New York, Farrel, Herring & Co., No. 629 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia. Herring, Farrel & Sherman, 7 2 Camp St., New Orleans. Herring & Co., No. 40 State Street, Chicago. PRESS OF WYNKOOP & HALLENBECK, 113 Fulton Street NEW YOEK. CONTENTS. PAGE Fires in Maine 9 " Massachusetts H " Connecticut 1* " Rhode Island 14 " New York 30 " New York City 15 " New Jersey 70 " Pennsylvania 62 " Philadelphia 58 District Columbia 73 " Richmond 73 " Virginia 79 " North Carolina 83 " South Carolina ®% " Georgia 86 " Alabama 92 " Florida 90 " Mississippi. 94 " Louisiana.... 95 Texas 98 " Arkansas 99 " Tennessee 103 " Missouri 100 Ohio 104 " Indiana H2 " Illinois 109 Wisconsin. 113 " Michigan 106 Iowa HO " Minnesota 117 " California 119 " Kansas 118 " Colorado 119 Canada 123 " Isthmus of Panama 125 " West Indies 125 " Japan 124 Great Bank Robbery 127 AWARDED HERRING'S PATENT FIRE-PROOF SAFES. LONDON 1851. ALSO AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE. NEW YORK. 1853. In addition to the foregoing. GOLD AND SILVER MEDALS AND DIPLOMAS Have been awarded the Subscribers for their SAFES AND LOCKS, By the following Societies and Institutions, viz: AMERICAN INSTITUTE, New York. j FRANKLIN INSTITUTE, Philadelphia. METROPOLITAN MECHANICS' INSTITUTE, VIRGINIA STATE FAIR, Kichmond, Va. Washington, D. C. | MISSOURI STATE FAIR, St. Louis, Mo. PENNSYLVANIA STATE FAIR, and many others. :PREFA.CE. The atmosphere heated to a certain point, being deprived of its oxygen, combustion is the consequence. To produce* a barrier, if not an effectual limit, to combustion in certain cases has been our 'constant study for more than a quarter of a century. No human agency can control or prevent the origin of conflagration ; and it has been our aim, so far as our experience and ability give vis the power, to say to the fiery dragon : " Thus far slialt thou go and no farther. " From the beginning of time water lias been the favorite antidote for fire, and it has been the unfailing resort to prevent and check the march of the de- vouring element. Yet, it is known that in the burning of certain compounds the application of water is but adding fuel to the Haines. Water, notwithstand- ing its many virtues, is not always reliable either as an extinguisher or a preventive of fire. It is upon the " water theory," however, that until a very recent period, all portable fire-proof safes have been built. It will surprise some to learn that the first safes (?) or chests manufactured in this country were lined or filled with wood — a singular protection, many of our readers will observe, but no less a fact; and there are those who well remember the old-fashioned " knob-chests," as they were called, which were simply wooden boxes covered first with thin sheet-iron, then banded and strapped, and the whole nailed fast with large nails, having prominent knobs or cast-iron heads to imitate or represent the strong rivets of a boiler. These " formidable "-looking chests will be recollected as the strong-box or safe of the merchants' counting room in the olden time. They, indeed, have almost passed away ; yet, singular enough, the theory upon which these wooden "fire-proofs" were first made has been the theory upon which iron safe manu- facturers have from that time to this, been constantly building. Although it may seem strange that wood was ever used as a fire-proof pro- tector in safes, yet it must be borne in mind that the original plan was to pre- pare the wood for this purpose before applying it to the safe. It is well known that though wood is highly combustible, it is really a poor conductor of heat, and when protected from the atmosphere so as to prevent ignition it will transmit heat very slowly. Take, for example, a small piece of wood ; apply to one side of it all the heat you choose ; so long as the wood does not ignite 10 of coarse you cannot burn paper through it. Iron or metals are directly opposite in their nature. They resist combustion to a far greater extent, but more readily convey or conduct the beat through them. The original method of preparing wood as a lining or fire-proof filling for safes was to saturate or soak it with salt water or brine, and as the wood is a ready absorbent, having a great affinity for water, it retained this saturation for some time ; consequently, .when exposed to the fire, the wood gave out its moisture, the fibre charred in place of igniting, and combustion proceeded slowly. Alas for the safe-makers of those days, however ; their work became their ruin ! It was found in the course of time that saturation produced decay, and in the lapse of a few years the fire-proof lining began to perish, and the wood became a mass of dry rot, liable almost to take fire by itself from spon- taneous combustion. Many of these old chests are known to have taken fire when in this decomposed state through no agency but the near proximity of the counting-room stove The next period in safe-making and the date of our advent in the business is now known as the plaster of Paris or cement age — the water, consideied as a necessity to retard the action of the fire, being this time retained by plaster or hydraulic cements, which, becoming hard and rock-like, were then supposed to be unchangeable . The story of the origin of this plan of " fire-proofing " is a little romantic. It is said that an industrious mechanic was one day engaged in making moulds or casts with plaster of Paris. Having finished his labors he was preparing to wash up, and for this purpose he attempted to heat some water in a kettle in which he had mixed his calcined plaster. After stirring his fire impatiently on several occasions he was surprised to find that the water did not warm up with its accustomed rapidity, and a further inspection showed the bottom of the kettle retained the debris of his plaster-mixings. Upon their removal the difficulty was obviated. This gave him the idea of its non-conducting powers and suggested it as a lining for fire-proof repositories. About the same time an old and well-known type-founder of this city, now deceased, but whose sons are still prominent as his successors, had noticed and remarked the non-cond acting power of plaster of Paris when mixed with water, as he was constantly using it in his business, and had actually constructed or lined a safe with this fire- proof composition as a protection for valuables in his possession.* The priority of invention is still claimed by both parties. But certain it is that this was the beginning of the plaster of Paris filling for fire-proof safes, so long and so tenaciously clung to. The first attempts in this case, like most first attempts, proved failures. The calcined plaster was of no use as a fire-proof cement unless mixed with water. Still the misfortune remained that the damp compound would mould * This safe, the first one ever fllle.1 with plaster of Paris, and made nearly forty years ago, is now in our store. 11 and destroy books and papers in the safe if it was kept closed, and could not protect them from fire if left open. It was about tbis time that the senior member of our firm came to the rescue, and after many experiments produced plaster of Paris lined safes that were comparatively dry for the counting-room, and made the first truly popular safes in use on this continent. Time, however, the great teacher, demonstrated that plaster of Paris without water, as a protection from fire, is not much better than so much sand, and the mixture of water necessary to secure its non-conducting qualities would gradually evaporate or dry out, in which operation it oxydized the iron box in which it was confined Thus, besides losing some of its fire proof qualities with age it also rusted, or " rotted out," the iron of the safe in time, thereby always car- rying within itself the seeds of its own destruction. The Plaster of Paris Safe, or " Wilder Patent of 1843," for which we made all the good reputation it ever had, was simply plaster of Paris mixed with water, the fire-proof property consisting in the ability of the plaster to absorb and retain a large amount of water. While new and its effects upon the iron not suspected, we used it as the best thing known at that time. As, however, experience developed its defects, and it became apparent that the water would gradually evaporate, causing the contents of the safe to mould and mildew and the iron of the outside to rust, we determined to benefit the public and ourselves by the experience we had gained and to bring out all the ingenuity available by offering large rewards for tbe production of a better and more enduring fire-proof filling than plaster of Paris had proved to be. Invention was again busy. " Croton Water Safes " were talked of; these to be made stationary, and the water to be let on by the burning of a string or the melting of a soft cement faucet on the approach of heat. Alum and clay were recommended, still adhering to the old water theory to produce steam in case of fire. But these were only partial remedies, and experience has proved that they were not reliable in accidental fires. Premiums were offered for dry fire-proof fillings, and the result has been a steady and constant improvement in fire-proof protectors where properly made ; and demonstrated that too much water is as dangerous to the safe as too little ; as water itself, or materials con taining a large amount of that element, are known to evaporate or lose their qualities at alow temperature. Water itself boils at 212 degrees and is soon dissipated at a higher heat. It is not so much the quantity of moisture that is required to keep out heat in a safe as the quality. It is not the material which will hold the most water that is best for fire-proof filling, but one that will hold its peculiar moisture the longest when operated against by accidental fire. Carefully pursuing this plan in place of the old water theory, the Herring Safe has not only maintained its position in the front rank, but quite recent fires have shown it to be very far in advance of all others. It is well known that the production of certain atmospheres are antago- nistic to heat, and in the presence of a certain air or gas no flame can live. The production of the Herring's Patent Composition demonstrated that, though it did not secrete so much moisture, yet it was more slowly evaporated or driven out 12 by fire than any other compound heretofore known; and the more recent im- provements which we have secured by patents within the past two years have proved that a fire-proof filling for safes is produced that is perfectly dry and unchangeable until the fire attacks it, which will not dampen or mould books and papers, will not corrode or rust the iron of the safe, and does not dry out or lose any of its fire-proof qualities from evaporation in a warm room. In place ofboilingat'212°— the boiling point of water -its fumes are noticeable at the red heat of iron (1,000°) ; and our fire-proof lining being a double sulphate, it pro- duces an atmosphere in which, so long as it lasts, no flame can exist. The patents of S. C. Herring of May 18, 1852, improved and renewed May 18, I860, and of John Farrel, February 7, 1805, produce the most perfect and complete PRY SAFE, THAT IS ALSO RELIABLE AGAINST FIRE, ever offered to the public. Another great advantage with our new patent filling is— that while it is put in as a powder, dry as flour, when subjected to a hot fire it fuses or combines into a compact mass; does not decrepitate or lose its bulk, or leave large holes and vacancies in the fire-proof filling, as other compositions do. It becomes solid and firm, giving also additional strength to the body of the safe when ex- posed amid falling ruins. With the increased growth of our cities and towns and constantly increas- ing size of our mercantile warehouses, we require more than ever the best and strongest safes. Iron columns, iron beams, and iron girders are fast displacing wooden ones in our modern buildings, and in the conflagration these falling masses of iron need more than common safes to ward their heavy blows. Having these important requirements in view, we have also made many improvements in the strength and mechanism of our work. Besides improved beauty of finish, the entire body of the safe is made all of tBrought-iioh and much heavier than heretofore. Our frames are manufactured from the best refined wrought-iron and are welded (not matched) together. Our corners are solid, of the best wrought angle-iron, in place of matched bars or cast iron cor- ners, so common with other safes. We have also just completed an entire new set of patterns, which will give increased thickness of fire-proof filling, so that with improved fire and rust proof filling, improved strength and weight of metal, and improved patterns, it shall be our aim, as it ever has been, to give to the public " the best safe the world ever saw," and furnish it at a fair price, consistent with good work. How well we have succeeded so far the public are the judges ; and that we shall hereafter "surpass ourselves" is the pledge we make to our many liberal patrons. New York, January 1, 1867. AN INTERESTING HISTORY. Twenty-six years ago the senior member of our firm commenced his career in the safe business. Previous to that date, with the exception of a few spasmodic efforts, most all safe manufacturers had confined their operations to safes or chests lined with wood, made after the pattern of a few that were first imported from France. The great trial of safes at Coffee-house Slip, foot of Wall street, New York, in 1840, in which all the leading fire-proof chests then made were destroyed, while the newly introduced Salamander bore off the palm of victory, was witnessed by Mr. Herring, and first induced him to engage in reanimating its fortunes . Previous to his embarking in the enterprise the history of the Salamander had been one of misfortune, owing to the want of means and ability of those having it in charge, and the natural slowness of the public to encour- age new productions. The existence of the new safe had been a fitful and uncertain one. The want of experience in the manufacture and the imperfect manner in which they had been made had dis- couraged and bankrupted those who had at first attempted it, and its reputation had reached a very low point when Herring's name first became associated with the enterprise. Energy and perseverance, however, are most certain to bring their reward, particularly where merit is really the basis of the struc- ture. Beginning with the determination that a good safe was attain- able, and that the public should always receive their money's worth, the popularity of the Herring's safe demonstrates how well that resolution had been adhered to, and its consequent reward. Twenty- six years ago the first stock of safes was contained in a little room not more than 20 by 40 feet, and though prices then only ranged from $40 to $250, the sales of safes were very slow. Shortly afterward, for economy's sake, the building first employed as a sales-room was turned into a manufactory. The basement was the blacksmith 's shop, or forging-room, and filling-room. The fit st floor was the sales and paint-room. The two upper stories were occupied by the iron-workers, who cut the iron, framed the safes, and the one solitary locksmith, who could furnish all the locks as fast as the safes were ready for them. Here everything was under the eye of the proprietor, and all worked for the production of a good article. The many imperfections of the first manufacture were gradually 14 overcome, and the public began slowly to appreciate the enter- prise. The great fires of 1845 gave the first impetus to what has since become a great business, when old-fashioned fire-proof securi- ties proved false to their professions, and even solid vaults of stone and brick yielded to the fiery adversary ; the Herring Salamander won its first laurels, and was accepted by the community as the " coming safe," and stepped into the position it has since so. well retained as " the best security from fire now known." The burning of the Tribune buildings and the great fire in this city (which destroyed 400 buildings), and in other cities during that memorable year, when the Herring's safe so well earned its claims to public trust and confidence, created an era in this branch of domestic manufacture. Greater facilities and larger buildings were required for the work ; steam power and machinery were brought into requisition, and the clink of the hammer and the song of the workman evinced that a new field of enterprise had been opened which was to help, in its place, to spread the fame of American ingenuity and add another permanent means to the prosperity of the commonwealth. Twenty-six years ago, and two or three safes a week were the limit of production ; since then more than thirty thousand of Herring's Safes have gone on their way, messengers of hope and trust to the civilized community, and earning a good name for themselves, and a reputation for their country. The first safes were not, of course, perfections, and countless have been the improve- ments which experience has suggested and which are continually in progress. The old Salamander gave way to the Champion ; Wet- filled safes have been superseded by the dry-filled ; boiler-iron has taken the place of sheet-iron in the manufacture, and the days of mouldy safes, rusty safes and dried-out safes are now being suc- ceeded by those which are damp-proof, rust-proof, and whose fire- proof elements or compositions are the results of nearly thirty years of study and experience, and will not dry out or lose their fire- proof qualities by age. Twenty-six years ago, and a dozen hands, all told, comprised the pay-roll of Herring's Safe manufactory. Now more than three hundred hands are constantly employed in the work on Herring's Safes. Then a five-hundred-dollar safe was a large sale ; but now a single safe, or vault, as it is called, is made at a cost of nearly twenty thousand dollars. 1G heeelng's fibe-peoof safes. One of the Safes from the Great Fire at Portland, Me. wi 't^J> -.v-^ag?--- ^■^^^Ssg e-?~ S&S* This Safe formerly the property of [ GERRtSH& PEARSON;^'* Passed Through The Great Fire i n ., ■/.:". PORTLAN D. \B&" ONTHEW 0FJULY.1866&.WASNOT REMOVED FROM THE RUINS UNTiLThElO 11 THE.SIXTH DAYATTERTHELF/RE. EXTRACT FROM LETTER OF GERRISH and Pearson. Portland.Me.myip OUR STORE. WHICH WAS A THRELSTORY BRICK BUILDING WAS SWEPT AWAY BY THE FLAMES WE WERE CARRYINC ON TH t JEWELRY BUSINESS THISSAFE CONTAINED OURVALUABLE JEWELRY & WATCHES ALSO OUR BOOKS PAPER WHICH WERE PRESERVED IN GOOD CONDITION NOT A LEAF OF OUR PRINCIPAL BOCHS WAS INJURED NOTAWCRD IS ERASED -rom our Books or papers, every line and word ;s perfectly lecible. > WE WERT. UNABLETO REMOVE THE! SAFE AAID OPEN IT UNT7LTUESDAY THE 10™ APEPIOD OF MORE THAN FIVE DAYS AFTER THE FIRE.THE HEAT RESEMBLED THA - OP A FUP.NACC TOR THE IRON WAS AT WHITE HEAT. *^ -» J^tr^ MftI_J* ,W_M mm^r- -r any other country. In the language of the New York Tribune, when speaking of the performances of their own Herring Safe, which had been buried in the burning ruins of the Tribune Buildings for thirty-six hours, we will say : "How much better another maj do, we know not ; but that this did its work nobly, we most, heartily testify." MAINE. THE GREAT FIRE AT PORTLAND, JULY 4, L866. This great conflagration, which destroyed nearly one-half the city, burnt d over a space of two hundred acres, and destr »yed no less th in fifteen hundred buildings, The loss was estimated ai $12,000,000; and unfortunately many lost their booksof account, valuable papers, and their all, by trusting to miscalled " Fire-proof " Safes indeed, the telegraph, in its hurry to furnish " news," reported all over the land, on the second day after the fire, that '' most iron safes had proved worthless." Tib- may have been true so far as it went, but the Herring's Safes were still lying un lei that burning pile, and remained there from three I i twenty days, yet saved ill their contents in the besl of order. Notoneoi Herring's safes failed let the public bear this in mind ; for I \i*-->- safes were exposed in the hottest of that fire, and side by side with other so-called " Fire-proofs," which proved but mere ovens for valur, ables they were expected to preserve. Letter from Gerrish Sf Pearson. Portland, July 11, 1866. Messrs. Herring, Farrel & Sherman, 251 Broadway, New York : Gentlemen — The Fourth of July, with its usual festivities and pleasures, can a sad termination on the afternoon of that day by the breaking oui of the largest fire that ever took place in this country, destroying half of the business port inn o city, with numerous dwellings. Our store, which was in a three-story brick build-. ing, was completely swept away by the devouring flames. We were carrying on the jewelry business. We had one of your large- ize Champion Safes in use. which contained our valuable jewelry and watches, also our books, papers, and somftj money, which were preserved in good condition. The covers of the books andsome of the watches and jewelry are discolored by the steam from the fire-proof compo- 2 10 herring's fire-proof safes. sition ; not ;i leaf of our principal books is injured, not a word is erased from our books or papers, every line and word perfectly legible; our jewelry and watches can be cleaned. We were unable to remove this safe and open it until Tuesday, the lot li a period of more than five days of er the fire. The heat around it was of the most intense character, as its exterior distinctly shows, the iron being badly warped and sprung. The brass knobs and ornamental plates on the doors were entirely melted off. The heat closely resembled that of a furnace, for the iron wis at a white heat. We would add, that u safe which will preserve its contents in such afire proves ; ts superiority and is thoroughly fire-proof. GERRISH & PEARSON. Letter from N. P. Richardson Sc Co. Portland, July 13, 1866. Messrs. Berring, Farrel & Sherman, 251 Broadway, New York : Gentlemen — The large fire which occurred July 4, entirely destroyed our extensive stove manufactory ; also our office, w hah was in a separate wooden build- ing, two stories in height. The safe, one of your Herring's Patent Champion, was in the second story ; it fell to the ground. We got it out during the tire by means of chains. It was red-hot. We had it cut open on Saturday. The books ami papers contained in it were all preserved. Yours, truly, N. P. RICHARDSON & CO. Letter /n m Edward Shaw, E>q. Portland, July 10, 18G6. Messrs. Herring, barrel & Sherman, 251 Broadway, New York : Gentlemen This once beautiful city has been the scene of the most terriblecon- fiagration ever known in the history of tires on this continent. Fifteen hundred buildings were destroyed, covering an area of move than two hundred acres, reach- in- a mile and one-half in length, by an average of half a mile in width. The building in which we had the office of the Portland Mutual Fire Insurance Com- panj was entirely consumed. We had a large number f>( books and papers ; these, with other valuables, were all locked up in one of your large-size lire-proof safes. We dug it out of the ruins on Saturday, where it remained three days and a half. After cutting it open, to our great surprise and gratification the contents were pre served in excellent condition ; the covers of the hooks were drawn by the steam of the lire-proof composition. Every line and word in our hooks and papers are per- fectly legible; not a leaf of our books or a paper shows the mark of fire. When we take into consi leration the magnitude of this lire, the terrific heat to which your safe was subjected no water having been thrown on the ruins or on the fire— proves your safe to he perfectly lire-proof. The ordeal thr. Ugh which safes have passed in this severe test— many having been completely burned up— warrant us in saying that too much praise cannot be bestowed on-- the Herring," as every one of your make preserved its contents. Respectfully yours. EDWARD SHAW, Treas. of P. M. F. Ins. Co. Letter from J. B. Brown St Sons. Portland, July 1G, 18G6. Messrs. Herring, Fanel & Sherman, -'A Broadway, New York: Gentlemen— The devastating fire which took place in our city on the afternoon of July i, unparalleled in extent and number of buildings destroyed by any tire •hat eve; took place in this country, entirely consumed our large SUgar-h iuse and office. \\ i were using one of your large-size folding-door safes. It was in the Plate No. 1. SIZE No.2. SIZE No. 3. 12 in. high, 8 in. wide, 9 iu. deep, lii*ix Co., New York : Gentlemen — In answer to your inquiries we would say that the Herring's Patent Champion Safe we bought from you u is in our manufacturing establishment on the evening of its destruction by tire, on the 31st of May last. The building was large, and the fire destroyed everything in it except the contents of your safe. The safe bears the marks of a very severe roasting, but has fully and faithfully sustained vour reputation, preserving all the books, money, insurance policies, and other valuable papers it contained, in such good order as to be again ready for further use. Truly yours, J. WILCOX ,x CO., Balmoral Skirt Manufacturers. GREAT FIRE IN NEW HAVEN. New Haven, August 30, 1864. Messrs. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen— On the 20th instant there was a very destructive fire in this city, burning the carriage manufactory corner of Chapel and Hamilton streets, and also our machine shop. We. fortunately, were provided with one of your Champion Safes, and although the tire was so hot that iron melted and run down on the s ile, and the iron casters melted off, the contents, consisting of valuable books, papers, and fifteen hundred dollars in Treasury notes, besides other bills, amounting in all to two thousand dollars, were preserved without injury. As soon as our main building is completed we shall want another safe of a larger size. M. & T. SAULT, Engine and Tool Builders, corner Chnpel and Wallace streets. Plate No. 2. SIZE No. 5«/ 2 . SIZE No. 6-Low. 19 in. high, \u In. wide, v Inside 13 In. deep, ) 21 in. high, 21 in. wide, } Inside. 14 in. deep, SIZE No. 6-High. SIZE No. 7. 26 in. high, 17 In. wide, 14 in. deep, Inside. 26 in. high, \ 21 in. wide, > Inside. 15 in. deep, ) HERRING S FIRE-PROOF SAFES. ] 3 LARGE FIRE AT SIMSBURY. Simsbtjry, August 22, 1862. Messrs. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen — It will undoubtedly give you pleasure to know, as it is a fact worthy the notice of the public, that the safe we purchased of yon passed through the fire which consumed our manufactory, with all its contents, on the 20th of December, 1859. Our books, papers, and money were all preserved. Yours truly, TOY, BICKFORD & CO. ANOTHER FIRE IN SIMSBURY. Simsbury, February 5, 1855. S. C. Herring, Esq. : Sir— We take pleasure in stating that the Safe we purchased of you lias nobly stood the test. Our manufactory and contents were burned on the 22d of December, but our valuable books, papers, and money, in your safe, were preserved uninjured. We can, therefore, with confidence, recommend your safes to the public. Yours truly, BACON & BROTHERS. GREAT FIRE IN NORWICH. BURNING OF NORWICH AND WORCESTER RAILROAD DEPOT. FOUR HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS IN BONDS ! TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS IN CASH SAVED ! ! Norwich & Worcester R.R. Co.'s Office, | Norwich, July 19, 1860. [ Messrs. Herring & Co. , New York : Gentlemen — On the morning of the 14th inst., a destructive fire entirely con- sumed the d pet building of this company, which was two hundred feet hum and sixty-one feet wide. Your safe was in the treasurer's office, on the second floor. It alio ids me pleasure to inform you that the safe manufactured by you, contain- ing books and papers of the company, has proved all you ever claimed for it The safe was full, containing a part of our most important books and papers, which were well preserved, with the writing uninjured. Yours respectfully, G. L. PERKINS, Treasurer . ANOTHER FIRE AT NORWICH. Norwich, November 22, 1859. Messrs. S. C. Herring & Co.. New York: Gentlemen— On the morning of the 5th inst., our bleachery was destroyed by fire, in the second story of which was one of your safes. The safe fell with the burning timbers and cotton goods, and when taken out was of a white heat. On opening it, very much to our surprise and gratific ition, all our books and papers were found to be uninjured, after being exposed several hours to an intense heat. MOSES PIERCE, Agtnt Norwich B. 8f C. Co. FIRE AT BRIDGEPORT. Bridgeport, February, 1800. Messrs. Silas C. Herring & Co., New York : Gentlemen — My large flour mills, containing five hundred thousand feet of timber, was destroyed by fire a fen weeks since. I had all my books and papers in one of 14 herring's fire-proof safes. your safes. When it was recovered from the ruins and opened, I found them in perfect order. You can judge of the amount of heat it had by the quantity of timber burnt over it. Cast iron shafting in the building was melted into a solid mass. Yours respectfully, D. P. BUCKINGHAM. GREAT FIRE IN WEST WINSTED. West Wixsted, Tuesday, March 29, 1803. Silas C. Herring : Dear Sir -Some seven or ton years ago, I purchased one of your safes at $110. That sate, on the night of the 25th instant, was subjected to an intense red heat in the conflagration of my three-story brick block in this place. After the fire commenced, an occupant of the store in which the safe was broke open the window, unlocked it, and took out his books, but was driven back by the flames, leaving the door open. Arriving at the scene just at this moment and learning its situation, I made an unsuccessful attempt to get to it and lock it. I then offered a reward of $100 to a daring fellow to go in and lock the the safe. He ace implished the feat, and soon after the floor fell, with the safe, into the basement. It contained papers to a largo amount, the destruction of which would have been as irretrievable as bank bill-. The safe was subjected to an intense heat, surrounded by a large amount of com- bustible materials. <>n removing the safe from the tire after it had somewhat subsided (the sai'e being still red- hot) the papers were taken out as blight as new, in the most perfect order. The wooden lining of the safe was not disfigured at all, and presented no appearance of lire. The door-plates are warped, one wheel melted, and another partly melted off. The lock, however, works well. Respectfully yours, E. S. WOODFORD. RHODE ISLAND. DESTRUCTIVE FIRE IN PROVIDENCE. Providence, Dec. 5, 1846. Mr. S. C. Herring : Sir — Yours bearing date Dec. 2d is received. The safe we pnrch ised of you was in the second story. It fell, with the building, some twenty feet down into the cellar ; it was exposed to all the heat of the tire, without any water. It being low tide, it was impossible to obtain a sufficient quantity of water. Your safe remained in the lire till morning, when it was taken out of the cellar and opened ; the con- tents were in good order, with the exception of a lew lockets which were stained by the steam. It contained books, watches, jewelry, &c. The interior of your safe is as good as it was when we bought it of you. We remain yours respectfully, STONE & WEAVER, per Geo. H. Rhodes. FIRE AT NEWPORT. Newport, Jan. 16, 1856. Messrs. S. C. Herring & Co. : Gentlemi.x — Your note of the 14th is at hand. The safe containing my papers, some plate, &c, in my house at the time of the tire, was the same purchased of you some years since. It was surrounded by the flames and lay covered by the burn- Plate No. 3. No. 7— Low. 21 in. iiiiili, >d In. wide, ) Inside. 15 in. deep, No. 8-High. 32 in. high, 22 in. wide, 1 .". In. deep, - herring's FIRE-PROOF safes. 15 ing ruins and a solid mass of coals for the space of about twelve hours. When taken out, the lock, which is ore of Mill's Patent Powder-Proof Locks, was in good condition, and all the papers contained in the safe were in good condition. The safe is damaged by having one of the hinges of the door broken, in consequence of being opened when hot. Yours, CHAS. DEVENS. NEW YORK CITY. In this city alone nearly One Hundred Herring's Sues have passed through the fiery ordeal preserving their contents (amounting to millions in value) in everj instance, as the following letters will show. BUBNING OF 'HIE TRIBUNE BUILDINGS. The destruction of this large establishment is well remembered. The entire place was burned to to the giound, and the sale in the very midst of it could not be got at until the second day alter. From the N. Y. Tribune. "The safe Ins been got out and opened ; the contents are in a good state of servation. The mail-books will not even need transcribing. The pocket-hooks, training money, notes, &c, and the papers, arc as good as new." presei cent From the True Sun. " Yesterday afternoon the safe of the Tribune establishment was discovered among the ruins of the building. Is was nd-hot. The contents, to the astonish- ment of all who saw them, were uninjured! ! This nonpareil of safes hnd lain in its fiery bed Unity-six hours, and, judging from the appearance of its contents, would have been faithful to its trust thirty six hours longer." " One thing we know, however, that an ordinary single Herring's Salamander of moderate size, in which our books and money were kept, on and prior to the disastrous 5th of February last, held them safe through thirty-six hours of intense beat, in (lie destruction of our office by fire a year ago, and returned them to us uninjured. How much better another may do, we say not ; hut that this did its duty nobly we most heartily testify. — N. Y. Tribune. THE GREAT FIRE IN NEW YORK, JULY 19, 1845. From the New York Tribune, July 21, 1845. " DESTRUCTIVE FIRE— THE BEST PORTION OF THE CITY IN RUINS FROM $0,000,000 TO $10,000,00:) WORTH OK PBOPERT? DESTROYED— TERRIFIC EXPLOSION AND LOSS OF LIFE!— NEARLY 400 HOUSES DESTROYED! " In this terrible and disastrous burning, nine " Herring's Safes" were exposed to that severe ordeal ; and, although tried in that "fiery furnace," some of them for days together, yet they admirably sustained their well-earned reputation ; and the interior (.1 (he safes, after their recovery irom the ruins with their content;-;, exhib- ited but slight evidence of the roasting which they hail undergone, notwithstanding the heat in many cases was so intense as to melt the iron wheels, or rollers, and 16 HERRINGS FIRE-rROOF SAFES. other outer portions of the safes. Among those indebted to this safe for the preser- vation of their all, in that great fire, and who will bear witness now, as they expe- rienced then, their almost fabulous properties, are the following firms, to whom the public are referred : Messrs. CROCKER & WARREN, Messrs. CHOUTEAU & CO., D. & A. KINGSLAND & CO., Mr. HENRY LEGER, MOTZ & POLITZ, Mr. J. J. LEGER, iSCHRAGE, KOOP & CO., And others. In evidence of their great strength and the superiority of their general work- manship, it may be well to state that several of the above fell with the tumbling buildings at a distance varying from twenty to forty feet. The safe belonging to Messrs. Crocker & Warren was blown up with their building at the " great explo- sion," and the result was as follows : New York, July 31, 1845. Mr. S. C. Herring, No. 139 Water street : Sir— We had in our store, No. 38 Broad street, one of the Patent Safes from your establishment. We recovered this safe from the ruins on Monday, 21st instant, after it had been exposed for sixty hours, and we found our books and papers in a good state of preservation ; every line of writing was perfectly legible; we can, there- fore, speak well of the safe manufactured by you. Respectfully, your obedient servants. ' CROCKER & WARREN. New York, July 23, 1845. Mr. Silas C. Herring : It may be to your advantage to know that our books and papers, which were in one of your safe.-, have been recovered from the burning ruins of our store (at the great fire on the 19th instant) and found fit for use. The result is to our entire satisfaction. SCHRAGE, KOOP & CO. From the True Sun. One gentleman saved $70,000 in bank-bills, notes, &c, by means of one of Her- ring's safes, and, in consequence, bore the destruction of his place of business with cheerfulness. From (he Morning News. Several iron safes have been taken from the ruins, many of them so little injured that the books and pipers are perfectly legible ; that of Davis & Brooks is still st mding on the second floor, and, though enveloped in flames, it is still in available condition. Barclay & Livingston have also saved their books and papers. We also heir that the safes are recovered of the following firms : Henry Leger, 4G Broad street ; D. A. Kingsland & Co., 55 Broad street ; Motz & Politz, (33 Broad street, all genuine Salamanders, with their contents in good order. They were all soil by Herring, whose safe will now be received as an indispensable article in every count- ing-room and office. BURNING OF THE CONGRESS SUGAR-HOUSE, DTJANE STREET, APRIL 2, 1848. From the New York Tribune. , e e- s We must not omit to add that the books and papers of the establish- ment, together with $600 in bank notes, were preserved unharmed by one of Her- ring's Safes. Mr. Harris was naturally in great anxiety lest the loss had been increased by the destruction of the contents of the safe, whose external appear- Plate No. 4. No. 8— Low. 30 in. high, 2J iu. wide, '.- Inside. 15 in. deep, ' No. 9. 32 in. high, ■ 27 in. wide, I Inside. 15 in. deep, ' herring's fire-proof safes. 17 ance, after it was dug" out from among the ruins in the cellar, was anything hut promising. It had been bruised by heavy substances falling upon it, and being subjected to a white beat, which had caused the exterior plates to swell and bulge in a very ominous manner, and entirely melted tbe brass knob of the door and the plate containing the maker's name. On drilling into it, for it could be opened in no other way, the contents were found per/eel/// uninjured ! This is as triumphant a proof of the excellence of Mr. Herring's Safe as could be desired. BURNING OF DENMAN'S LIME ESTABLISHMENT, FOOT OF TWENTIETH STREET, N. T. New York, May, 1849. Mr. S. C. Herring, No. 139 Water Street : Although this may reach you rather late in the d iy to he of much useful service to you, yet even if our certification of the following Facts c in be a source of gratifi- cation to yourself, or the numbers already possessed of your safes, and to whose faithful trust they are now confiding for security, we would say — that in the month of April, 1847, our lime establishment, foot of 'twentieth street, North river, was destroyed by fire. The sate which we bought of you was on the second floor of that building, and that, some time after the fire had commenced, our attention was directed to some- thing in the secon 1 story, which seemed to have lodged upon the sleepers or rafters of the building. The moment it caught our eyes we at once recognized the safe in the very midst of the fire, and exposed to all the fury of the flames. The safe was plainly discernible, as it was red-hot, and, instead of an iron safe, bad all the appearance of a burning coal. A short time after, the timbers gave way, and the safe fell with them, and there remained until our entire building was one heap of ruins. Upon opening it we found our books, papers, and even paper money (bank bills), all safe and sound. And having so much confidence in your safe, which we now know to be fire- proof, we have placed the " same old Salamander" in the wall of our new build- ing, sincerely believing that, should it ever be its lot to be once more placed as above described, the result will then be likewise. (Signed,) A. A. DEN1IAN & CO. ■ FULTON STREET FIRE. New York, January 24, 1852. Mr. Silas C. Herring : Sir — It affords me much pleasure to be enabled to s iy that the s ife which was in my store, 114 Fulton street, on the night of the 22d instant, when that build- ing was destroyed by fire, was one of your m ike, and had been in use somewhere about five or six years; and although it was exposed to the most intense heat for twelve hours, so hot as to melt the name-plate, &c, yet on opening the safe, 1 was agreeably surprised to find all the books and papers, with a sum of money in bank- bills, uninjured— the interior wood casing, in all respects, as perfect as when new. As soon as I locate myself permanently I intend ordering of you another of your superior safes. Yours respectfully, JOHN L. WATKINS. New York, January 24, 1852. Mr. Silas C. Herring : Sir— The store we occupied, No. 112 Fulton street, and the adjoining stores in Fulton and Dutch streets, were entirely consumed by fire on the night of the 22d instant ; and although the fire burned like a furnace, we are happy to say all our books, papers, and a considerable amount of money in bank-bills, were preserved 18 HERRINGS FIRE-PROOF SAFES. in one of your safes, although the safe was exposed to an almost furnace heat for twelve houis. The contents were preserved beyond our expectations, and we have availed on i selves of another of your safes, which we intend to use until we can have one made to order of a larger size. STILL WELL & MONTROSS. GREAT FIRE CORNER NASSAU AND LIBERTY STREETS, NEW YORK. New York, Feb. 24, 1852. Mr. Silas C. Herring : Sir — Wc take pleasure in being able to state that the safe we purchased of you some years since withstood the severe test to which it was subjected in the destruc- tion of our store and merchandise by lire, on the night of the 28th of January, 1852 (corner Liberty and Nassau streets). The safe was recovered after remaining in the fire forty hours, and, to our surprise and gratification, the books, pipers, money—and in fact, all the contents of the safe — were uninjured, and wc are now using the same set of books Therefore, in justice to you, we make this statement, and add our indorsement to the fame of your Salamander. FISHERS & ROBINSON. From (he New York Herald, Jan. 30, 1852. About nine o'clock last evening Lockwood & Co. reached their safe, which wasat the time almost red-hot; the brass trimmings were all melted off the outside, but on opening the sale the books were found to be uninjured. The safe was one of Herring's, which Messrs Lockwood & Co. purchased several years since. LARGE FIRE CORNER BROADWAY AND DEY STREETS, MARCH 26, 1852. New York, April 7, 1852. Mr. Silas C. Herring : Sir — We hereby certify that we had one of Herring's Safes in use at the time of the burning ol our store, Nos. 5 and 7 Dey street, on the night of the 26th of Match lust, and that our books and papers contained therein were taken from it in a good state of preservation ; many of the books being quite uninjured, and the whole of them perfectly distinct and legible, the only damage sustained being by water. LOTTIMER & LARGE. New York, May 3, 1852 Mr. Silas C. Herring : Sir — In the conflagration of our store and merchandise on the night of the 26th of March last, our books, papers, and money to a considerable amount, were secured in one of your justly celebrated safes; and we are happy to state that through the fiery ordeal which it passed, it was faithful to its name and trust. In fact, we saved every dollar and dollar's worth intrusted to its care. MERRITT, BLISS & CO. BURNING OF THE LAW BUILDINGS, N. Y. New York, Feb. 16, 1853. Mr. Silas C. Herring: Sir — We deem it a duty to hand you a certificate of the fact that the entire con- tents of the tafe bought of you were preserved uninjured, after remaining twelve hours in the lire, which destroyed the building occupied by us, No. 77 Nassau HERRINGS FIRE-PROOF SAFES. 19 street, on the night of the 3d instant. The hooks, papers, and money were as per- fect as when put into the sale, all the watch movements were in running order and some of them in motion. J. DUCOJIMIN & SON, Watch Case Makers and Importers. DESTRUCTION OF THE PEARL STREET HOUSE, NEW YORK. From the Courier and Enquirer, Aug. 25, 1853. Trial of a Safe. — One of Herring's Safes, owne 1 by Messrs. Tilton & Milony, was exposed to the late fire by which the Pearl Street House was destroyed. A portion of tlu books were removed during the progress of the fire, b it before the valuable papers were rescued the attempt had to he relinquished, and the safe afterward fell from the second floor to the cellar ; the outer door had been left open, being broken off in the fall. The inside door was fortunately locked, and, notwithstanding the loss of the outer door and the long exposure to an intense heat, the papers were taken out uninjured. ANOTHER OF HERRING'S SAFES TAKEN FROM THE PEARL STREET FIRE. Mr. Silas C. Herring : Sir — The sale I bought from you about twelve months since, and which has been exposed to the fire at the Pearl Street House on the 23d tilt. , is now rescued from the ruins, and I will th ink you to send for it to have' it repaired an 1 a new foot put on, which was broken by carelessness in digging it out. 1 am happy to say that the books and papas were taken out in a state of perfect preservation. I remain yours respectfully, JOHN MAYER, b(j Pearl street. THE FIRE IN GREENWICH STREET. New Yoek, Aug. 21, 1853. Mr. Silas C. Herring : Sir — I cannot too highly express the sitisfaction your Superior Fire-Proof Safe has given me. All my books, papers, and evidences of debt were preserved unin- jured ; and although the fire last night destroyed the stock and store occupied by me yet the bank bills lying loose in the drawers of the safe were as perfect as when put in circulation. Yours truly, S. S. REMSEN, Dealer in Boots and Shoes, cor. of Vesey and Greenwich streets. THE GREAT FIRE IN FULTON AND NASSAU STREETS-THE BURNING OF FOWLER'S BUILDINGS. New York, Nov. 2, 1853. Mr. S. C. Herring : Sir — It affords us pleasure to say that the safe we purchased of you, and which was in our office in Fowler's Buildings, corner Nassau and Fulton streets, at the time of its destruction by fire, on Sunday morning last, has this day been taken from the ruins, where it has lain for more than seventy-two hours ; and, on opening it, we find all our books, papers, jewelry, and a considerable sum of money in bank bills, in a state of preservation that gives us entire satisfaction. We have the utmost confidence in your safes, and shall want another as soon as we can arrange the plan. SALISBURY & ARROWSMITH. 20 HERRING'S FIRE-PROOF SAFES. BURNING OF THE EMPIRE IRON WORKS. New York, November 18, 1853. Mr. S. C. Herring : Si i; The s ilr bought of you about two years since was in our office at the des- truction of (he " Empire [ron Works," on the morning of the 17th inst., and we arc happy to saj thai our books, papers, and money in bink bills, were preserved to our entire satisfaction. The safe was exposed to an intense heat for about twenty- seven hours; the castors, brass plates. &c, melted off, and yet a valuable goldwatch was taken out perfect and in good time-keeping order. Weshali not be without another of your safes, and intend to call and select one early in the morning. SLOAN & LEGGETT, Empire Iron Works, FbotofEa&t Twenty-fifth street. STILL ANOTHER TESTIMONY OF A SAFE HAVING PASSED THROUGH TWO FIRES TRIUMPHANTLY. New York, November 2, 1853. Mr. S. C. Herring : Sib At the rec nt fire which destroyed Fowler s Buildings in Fulton street, my office was burn! out, but fortunately I had one of your safes, which contained all my stock of watches, watch movements, &c, &c, all of which were taken from the safe after the fire nol damaged, except bj the water unavoidably admitted at the sides of the door. This gafe is also the same one thai preserved my propertj onc< before at the fire No. 75 Nassau street, and which 1 have since used without having it refilled. J. DUCOMMIN, 30 Courllandt street. THE GREAT FIRE IN SPRUCE STREET. HERRING'S 3A1 ES AGAIN TRIUMPHANT. \i :\\ Yoi;k, March 6, 1854. S. 0. Herring, Esq. : Dear Sir — I hold it a duty which I owe to you and to the public to state that the sale 1 purchased of you about two years ago was the means of preserving unin- jured a large amount of evidences of debt, money, & .. exposed for several hours to a tremendous heat, dining the lire on Sunday morning last, in which the publica- tion office of Thompson's Bank Not* Reporter, No. 12 Spruce street, was entirely con- sumed. The safe was dug oui of the ruins this day ; and, i^\ opening it, the con- tents, embracing notes of hand, bank-bills, policies of insurance, &c, were found to have sustained no injury other than being slightly discolored by steam. The only loss of papers and books 1 sustained arose from the fact that the safe was not large enough to contain them all, and those left out from this cause were destroyed. At my earliest convenience 1 shall call at your warehouse and select a safe of a larger size, so that hereafter 1 maj have ample room as well as perfect security. Very respectfully, PLAIT ADAMS, Agent. STILL ANOTHER VOICE FROM THE SrRUCE STREET FIRE. New York, March 9, 1854. S. C. Herring, Esq. : Dear Sir — It is with gratitude and pleasure that I inform you of the complete success of your celebrated safe in preserving my mail-books, papers and accounts. deposited in it. from the destructive lire of the 6th instant, and which, after being Plate Wo. 5. SIZE A. 22 in. high, ) 32 in. wide, - Inside. 16 in. deep, ) SIZE B. 22 in. high, : 11 in. high, , 32 in. wide, - Inside. 17 in. deep, ) herring's fire-proof safes. 29 FIRE IN WASHINGTON STREET, NEW YORK. New York, Jan. 12, 18G3. Messrs. Herring & Co., New York : Gentlemen — It is gratifying to us to bear testimony to the value of your fire- proof safes, and that they are truly what they are called. As our valuable books and papers were saved uninjured in one of your safes at the late fire in Washington street, on the night of the 24th ultimo, our confidence is confirmed, and with the new one recently purchased we rest safely without fear of five. WILLIAM J. STITT & CO. GREAT FIRE IN DUANE STREET. New York, Jan. 25, 18G4. Messrs Herring & Co., No. 251 Broadway, N. Y. : Gentlemen — The two safes of your manufacture which we had in use on the night of the Kith instant, at the destructive fire in Duane street, have given us great satisfaction and been the means of preserving our books, policies of insurance, and valuable papers, and everything trusted to their keeping. Owing to the condi- tion of the surrounding walls, it was impossible for the workmen to dig for the safes until Friday, the 2:}d instant— the sixth day after the fire. The large safe, when it was reached, was cut into, as it could not be opened otherwise, and our books and papers were found to lie in excellent order — nothing injured but the binding, effected by the steam. The small safe was found in the ruins Mid was opened by cutting into it, like the other. We are happy to say that its entire contents were perfectly preserved, and it gives us much pleasure to add our indorsement to the well-earned reputation of your Fire-proof Safes. We are yours, &c. , AUFFMORDT, HESSENBERG & CO. BURNING OF THE BLOCK KNOWN AS THE EMPIRE WORKS, TWENTY- FOURTH AND TWENTY-FIFTH STREETS. New York, Feb. 18, 1864. Messrs Herring & Co. : Gentlemen — On the night of the 6th of February the large six-story building known as the Empire Works, on Twenty-fourth and Twenty-fifth streets, near the East river, was wholly destroyed by fire. I had in my office one of your Fire- proof Safes, which bus this day been dug out from the ruins and opened. Every- thing inside — books, papers, and money-were all preserved in good order; and I would like you to take the safe to your factory, and as soon as I get located I will make arrangements for a new safe. In the same office was a safe manufactured by Chamberlain & Co., the contents of which were entirely consumed. Respectfully, SAMUEL LEGGETT. FIRE IN ANN STREET. New York, April 22, 1864. Messrs. Herring & Co., New York : Gentlemen— I had one of your safes, Herring's Patent, in the third story of my building, No. 45 Ann street, which was five stories high at the time it was de- stroyed by fire. The s d'e fell with the building and remained until everything but your safa was destroyed. It was taken out this morning, and on openingitlam happy to say all its contents — books, papers, &c. — are perfectly preserved. WM. McKENZY. 30 herring's fire-proof safes. BURNING OF THE CAMDEN AND AMBOY RAILROAD DEPOT. New Yoek, July 12, 1864. Messrs. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen — Two iron safes of medium size made by you for this company were in the second story of their office, on Pier No. 1 North river, during the conflagration by which the pier was entirely destroyed of its buildings and freight yesterday morning, a large steamer being also destroyed. The safes were opened in my presence yesterday, and the contents, consisting of valuable papers, books, bank- notes, &c, were found to be in good order, with the slight exception of spoiling of the binding of the books. The books when rebound will be as good as new. This may be considered a very fiery ordeal for the safes with a satisfactory result. Yours respectfully, A. DECKER, Cashier. LARGE FIRE IN BROADWAY. New York, September 19, 1864. Messrs. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen— Our store was destroyed by fire this morning about three o'clock, and our books and papers were in one of your safes— " Herring's Patent" — which, on being opened, we found everything all safe and in good order, and are perfectly satis- fied "that your safes are what they are designed for— good security against fire. Yours truly, BANGS, MERWIN & CO. FIRE IN PEARL STREET. New York, November 25, 1863. Messrs. Herring & Co., No. 251 Broadway : Gentlemen— My store. No. 76 Pearl street, was destroyed by fire on the night of the 10th instant, with all its contents. The "Herring's Patent Safe," which I bought of you, containing my books, insurance policies, valuable pipers, &c, was taken out of the ruins on the 14th instant, Everything in the safe was well preserved and gives me perfect satisfaction. I am using the same books which theld so safely through the fire. I wish you would send me another, same size and kind, to my new office at No. 83 Pearl street, and allow me for the old one whatever it may be worth. Respectfully yours, WM. J. SCHIDEL. ANOTHER FIRE IN BROADWAY. New York, December 14, 1863. Messrs. Herring & Co., No. 251 Broadway : Gentllmf.n— At the recent destructive fire on the night of the 8th instant my store, No. 356 Broadway, with its entire contents, was destroyed. Fortunately my books and papers were* locked up in one of your Champion Sales, which we re- covered from the ruins the day following. It is a great satisfaction for me to add that my books, papers, policies of insurance, money—and indeed everything in the safe— was in good order and not in the least harmed by lire. Respectfully, J. LAGOWITZ. ANOTHER IN SAME FIRE. New Yoek, December 15, 1863. Messrs. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen— The Herring's Patent Champion which I purchased from you was in herring's fire-proof safes. 31 my office on the second floor of No. 356 Broadway, on the night of the 8th instant, when that building was destroyed by fire. The safe was in the back part of the building and was exposed to the hottest part of the fire. It fell with the destruction of the building and was dug from the ruins on the afternoon of the day following. When it was opened the interior was well preserved and all my books and papers found in as good and legible condition as when they were put in. Truly yours, PHILO SCOFIELD. FIEE IN THE BOWERY. New York, December 22, 1863. Messrs. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen — We take great pleasure in bearing witness to the fire-proof qualities of y'D herring's patent champion safes again TRIUMPHANT ! New York, October 13, 1855. Messrs. Herring & Co.: Gentlemen — We take pleasure in stating that the "Herring's Patent Safe," which we purchased from you about a year since, has been the means of preserving our books, papers, &c, from the lire at the destruction of our flour mills, in Brook- lyn, early on the morning of the 11th instant. The safe was exposed to a si heat about eight hours, and when cooled off and opened the contents were found entirely uninjured. We cheerfully recommend your safe to public confidence. HECKER & BROTHER. GREAT FIRE AT BINGHAMTON. Binghamton, N. Y., Januarys 28/18G3. Messrs. Herring & Co. : On the 23d day of August last my store and contents were consumed by fire. I Avas provided with two of your Patent Safes, which contained all my books and papers, and one hundred and eighty dollars in bank-bills, which I am happy to say were preserved to my entire satisfaction. As soon as I get my new store built, I shall want another of your safes. BENJAMIN F. SISSON. ANOTHER. Binghamton, N. Y., January 27, 1863. Messrs. S. C. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen- On Friday morning, the 23d instant, "Odd Fellows' Hall," in which our store was situated, was consumed by fire. In our store was one of your Patent Safes, which contained all our most valuable goods, books, and papers. Upon opening the safe in the afternoon we were pleased to rind everything in per- fect order, as much so as when put in the previous evening. Yours trulv, EVANS & ALLEN, Watchmakers and Jewelers. YET ANOTHER. Binghamton, N. Y., May 7, 1863. Messrs. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen — At tbe time of the recent disastrous fire which occurred here Janu- ary 22, I was among the sufferers. Being in the watch and jewelry business I was obliged to have a safe, which was fortunately one of your manufacture, and proved itself fire-proof by saving my books, papers and goods. I take pleasure in adding this to the numerous testimonials of the security of your excellent safes against fire. Respectfully yours, 0. N. SWIFT. 46 herring's fire-proof safes. THE GREAT FIRE AT POUGHKEEPSIE. Poughkeepsie, July 25, 1860. Messrs. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen — On the night of the 23d instant a fire occurred here which ex- tended to sixteen buildings and over. In our furniture building was one of your Patent Champion S.ifes, which stood before the fire, on the store floor, in such a position as to make it impossible to remove it. Consequently it remained until the floor fell, and then the safe fell into the cellar among a lot of maple and other furniture and combustible materials, where it remained from three o'clock A. M. until ten o'clock. When removed from the ruins every book and paper was found in perfect order. It has saved us many a valuable paper, and our books, which would have been a very serious matter to have lost. The building was a two-story frame building, and cellar ten feet. ANDRUS & DUDLEY. BURNING OF THE EAGLE OFFICE. Poughkeepsie, November, 25, 1862. Messrs. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen — On the night of the 22d instant a fire occurred in our printing establishment (a four story brick building), which was completely destroyed. The building was filled with pipers and printers' ink and burned most furiously and with intense heat. Your safe was in the fire for about ten hours, and when we were able to get at it, and on breaking it open we found our books and papers in perfect order, the covers being only a little warped. With a little repair we con- sider the safe good for another fire. Yours, &c , PLATT & SCHRAM, I'cri. E. Schram. FIRE IN RHINEBECK. State Dock, Rhinkbeck, June 16, 1856. Messrs. S. C. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen— In the fire which destroyed our storehouse on the morning of the 22d of Apiil, 1856, one of your safes, containing our books and papers, was taken from the ruins while it was red hot ; after carefully cooling it, we opened it and found our books and papers in good order, the binding only being injured. We have this day ordered a new safe through your Agent, Mr. Green. Yours respectfully, JOHN M. KEESE & CO. GREAT FIRE IN RHINEBECK, MAY 8, 1864. Rhinebeck, N. Y. , May 25, 1864. Messrs. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen — On the morning of May 8 our village was visited by a very de- structive fire, which destroyed several buildings, among them the one I occupied as a jewelry store, which was entirely consumed. I had my books, papers, bonds, and jewelry locked up in one of your Patent Champion Safes, which was subjected to an intense heat. I had it cut open the same day. The contents were all preserved. Every line of my books and papers is perfectly legible The only injury was the dis- coloration of some of the jewelry by the varnish on the book-case. I am very much pleased with the test of your Champion Safes, and when I rebuild will want another. Respectfully yours, WM. J. STYLES. herring's fire-proof safes. 47 ANOTHER IN SAME FIRE. Ruinebeck, N. Y , May 25, 1865. Messrs. Herring & Co. , New York : Gentlemen — The large fire which occurred here on the morning of May 8 totally destroyed the building in which I had my store. Fortunately I had one of your Patent Champion Safes in use, containing my books, papers, money, and some Five-twenty Bonds, which were entirely preserved, although the safe was subjected to a severe test from the burning of pork, hams, and other combustible goods in its immediate vicinity. It stood a good roasting, : nd every business man should have one for his valuables. The covers of the books were curled up by the steam from the fire-proof composition, which is the only injury the contents sustained, which, as lam informed, is usually the case. I shall want another safe as soon as I again commence business and want none but your Champion. GEORGE E. RING. THE GREAT FIRE AT BATH— BURNING OF THE MERCHANTS' EXCHANGE, COUNTY OFFICES, &c. Steuben Co. Treasurer's Office, | Bath, N. Y., May G, 1856. j S. C. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen— On the 28th March last, the Merchants' Exchauge, a three-story brick block, containing four stoves, was destroyed by fire. My office was on the second floor, in which I had one of your safes, which I bought of you in 1852 ; the safe is No. , and weighed sixteen hundred pounds. It was exposed to a severe fire and fell to the bottom of the cellar, and remained buried in the hot bricks thirty-six hours. When it was taken out and sufficiently cooled it was unlocked, and the books, papers and money, were all preserved ; there is not a line or word but can be read, I am satisfied. The safe has answered my greatest expectations. The locks all work well. The safe has sprung some, but not very badly. Please in- form me how mucli my old safe is worth, or what you would allow me in exchauge for a new safe . I want a good one . Respectfully yours, P. S. DONAHE, Cnui'ij Treas. ANOTHER IN SAME FIRE. Bath, March 28, 1856. S. C. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen — I have had this morning an opportunity of testing a safe of your make in the great fire which destroyed the Merchants' Exchange building; although exposed to such intense heat that a portion of the feet and knobs were melted, my books and papers, with the exception of being slightly stained by steam, were pre- served in perfectly good condition ; and when its place is supplied it shall be with one of Herring's Fire-proof. Yours respectfully, HORACE G. DONAHE. ANOTHER GREAT FIRE AT BATH, NOVEMBER 4, 1859. Bath, N. Y., November 15, 1859. Messrs. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen — You have no doubt heard of the great fire which occurred here on the 4th instant, destroying abour thirty buildings. My building was consumed with the others, but, fortunately for me, I had, at the time, one of Herring's Safes 48 herrixg's fire-proof safes. in use, which was exposed to the heat about twelve hours. The safe contained all my hooks, papers, one hundred gold and silver watches, and a quantity of jewelry. The books and papers, when taken out of the safe, I found every word and figure as perfect as before 1he fire ; the watches and jewelry only slightly steamed. This test, with the two safes which you had tested by fire here a few years since, has gained them a great reputation here as a fire-proof safe, and the merchants don't want any other kind. Yours respectfully, JOHN S. FARR. FIRE IN UTICA. Utica, January 18, 1856. S. C. Herring & Co. : Gentlemev — We have a safe of your manufacture that passed through the late fire in this city. We wish to know if it can be refilled and made secure against fire ? It is whole and in perfect shape. Please inform us, if it can, what the ex- pense will be. The books and papers contained in the safe came out uninjured. Yours truly, WESTCOTT & HAMMOND. ANOTHER FIRE AT UTICA. Utica, N. Y., December 29, 1858. S. C. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen- -At the time of the destruction of the store of J. W. Fuller & Co. by fire, in March last, they had a safe of your manufacture in the building ; since when we have purchased the safe. Although exposed to a severe fire, melting off the name-plates, &c, the books and papers were preserved in good condition. Yours truly, J. GRIFFITHS & CO. THE GREAT FIRE AT JAMESTOWN, JANUARY 30, 1861. Jamestown Bask, ) Jamestown, N. Y., February 6, 1861. j Messrs. Herring & Co. , New York : Gentlemen — In reply to your inquiries about the safe of your make which I bought from you for the Jamestown Bank, we would say the safe has resisted the fire well and has answered all our expectations. The fire in which the safe was tried was fully as severe as any that could occur in this place. Over forty-two places of business were destroyed, and our banking-house was in the center of them. We removed many of our books before the fire reached us, but about three thousand dollars in specie, some of our hooks, and many valuable papers, bonds, mortgages, &c. remained in the safe and passed through the fire. We consider it had a very severe trial, as it fell upon a pile of wood in our cellar. The safe remained in the fire for fourteen hours before we could get it out, the fire still burning under it when removed. Not a drop of water was thrown on the building from the com- mencement, as the heat was too great for the firemen to get within reach. The safe has done all that you promised. We found our books, money, papers, bonds, mortgages, &c , all safe — no sign of fire and in no way damaged, except being a little steamed. Yours truly, ALONZO KENT, President. J. MAYHEW, Cashier. Plate No. 14. No. 6-With Banker's Chest. 26 in. high, i 17 in. wide, [- Inside. H in. deep, ) Banker's Chest. 11 in. high, 17 in. wide, j- Outside. 14 in. deep, No. 7— High, with Banker's Chest. 28 in. high, i 11 in. high, 19 in. wide, ^ Inside. 19 in. wide, [ Outside. 15 in. deep, ) 15 in. deep, herring's fire-proof safes. 49 ANOTHER SAFE IN THE SAME FIRE. Jamestown, February 6, 1861. Messrs . Herring & Co . : Gentlemen — At the great fire which occurred here on the night ot the 80th ulti- mo, the Herring's Patent Champion Safe, which I purchased from you last sum- mer, containing all my hooks, papers, and money, and a large amount of jewelry, was in my store, which was located in the center of the burning buildings. The fire broke out about half-past eleven o'clock, and, in less than one hour, nearly fifty buildings were in flames, and the whole business portion of the town was threatened with destruction. The heat was so great that, when the fire was raging on both sides of the street, which is an unusually wide one, no person could ap- proach the burning buildings or pass through the street ; consequently, not a drop of water was thrown either upon my building, which was the middle of a three story brick block, or upon my safe during the fire. The flames burned fearfully for a long time. The safe fell into the cellar, and was exposed until the fire had exhausted itself. We got it out of the ruins about ten o'clock the next morning, and, finding it would not unlock, were obliged to cut it open. My books, papers, and money were all preserved, no injury being clone, except to the binding of the books. A portion of the jewelry was damaged, owing to the steam generated in the safe, which stained and discolored them. Tne greater pait. however, was well preserved, and several watches which were running before the fire were still running when taken out of the safe, marking the true time of the day. I return you the old safe to exhibit to your customers (you will see the knobs and plates are all melted off), and wish you to send me another of the same size and kind. 1 had a safe in my store of Pittsburg manufacture standing near the door, which did not result so well, the inside, with its contents, being entirely (or nearly so) destroyed by the heat. LEVANT L. MASON. GREAT FIRE AT OLEAN, AFGUST 7, 1862. Olean, N. Y., August 13, 1862. Messrs. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen — In the recent destructive fire which occurred here on the morning of August 7th I had one of your fire-proof safes in use, which contained books, papers, &c, which were all preserved without a mark of fire. The combustible material, together with the building, made the fire a very hot one. Still, if my books and papers were to be examined by a stranger, so well have they been pre- served, that he would not suppose they had been through such a severe ordeal. Yours respectfully, A. ADAMS. ANOTHER GREAT FIRE IN OLE AX. THE SAME SAFE AGAIN TESTED. Olean, N. Y., January 20, 1866. Messrs. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen -I had one of Herring's Double-door Fire-proof Safes, which went through the fire in our village on the 16th of January, 1866. On removing the safe, after being in the fire thirty hours, I opened it and found the papers, &c, just as good as w T hen put in. The wood-work was perfect, not even the varnish being touched. I shall have the safe fixed up and try it again ; as this safe went through a fire before preserving all the contents entire. I would sooner try it again than anv other make and consider it the best fire-proof safe ever made. A. ADAMS. 50 herring's fire-proof safes. GREAT FIRE AT PLATTSBURGH, N. Y. In the great fire which completely swept the business portion of this place, some seven " Herring's Safes," on sale in the store of Messrs. Fitch & Cook, of that place, were enveloped in the burning mass ; and, although not removed until the fire had completely exhausted itself, yet the interior wood-work, and contents of every safe was untouched with even a mirk of fire. One or two of the above contained books and papers. All were restored in perfect order. FIRE AT DEPOSIT, N. Y., MARCH 14, 1851. Deposit, April 26, 1851. Mr. S. C. Herring : Dear Sin — Duty demands that I should add my testimony among the thousand others that have witnessed the efficacy of your well-established Fire-proof Safes. My store was discovered to be on fire about one o'clock in the morning of the 14th of March last, which destroyed everything in the store except the s ife and its con- tents. The store was built of very heavy timber, with double floors above and below, which caused the fire to burn upon the inside several hours before it was discovered. When I reached the place the lire was breaking out on both sides of the store, which soon brought the safe in sight, which was as hot as fire could make it, beiug in the hottest part of the lire ; it remained there four hours after it was discovered. Other buildings being out of danger, the attention of our citizens was now called to the safe, which was still surrounded by a bed of coals and white with heat. We extracted the safe as soon aspossible, and after cooling it sufficiently, I unlocked it and found, to my great surprise, my books and papers in good and legible order. Truly yours, A. M. CABLE. DESTRUCTIVE FIRE AT PORT JERVIS. Port Jervis, N. Y., June 15, 1866. Silas C. Herring, Esq. : Dear Sir— On Tuesday night, the 12th instant, our store was burned to the ground, together with the entire stock of goods. Our books, papers, &c, were in one of your Fire-proof Safes. After being in a very hot fire, so hot that we could not get it out for ten hours, we found the books, moneys, papers, &c, all right — just as good as new, except some of the leather bindings. Our object in writing to you is to learn what it can be fixed up for, or how you will exchange it for a new one of the same size. By giving this your earliest attention you will greatly oblige, Yours respectfully, A. VAN ETTEN & SON. GREAT FIRE AT OGDENSBURGH. We, the undersigned, having been present at the opening of one of Silas C. Herring's Safes, in the store of Messrs. Watrous & Lawrence, after the great fire on the 19th October, are free to acknowledge this as the greatest triumph we ever witnessed of a Salamander Safe. The fire in the stores of Messrs Watrous & Lawrence and II. S. Humphrey & Co. was much hotter thin in any other part of the burnt district— its intensity being increased by the large quantity of oil, camphene, alcohol, and other combustible m itter in the drug-store. One of the feet of the safe was entirely burnt off, and a quantity of iron and nails were melted together in one solid mass, so great was the heat. Yet, notwithstanding all this, herring's fire-proof safes. 51 every paper was preserved entire and the writing perfectly legible, the varnish having been untouched. (Signed,) J. C. BARTER. Collector of the Port of Ogiensburgh. GEORGE ROBINSON, Postmaster of Ogdensburgh. L HASBROUOK, Ag 'Insurance Cjwpany of Hartford. EDWIN M HOLBROOK. B. H VARY, Agent far American Insurance Co. W. J. PARDEE. General Agent of Etna of It irtford Insurance Co. SAMUEL H PRICE, General Agent of Northwestern Insurance Co. D. M. CHAPLN, Agent of Springfield and Marine and Protection of Hartford Ins. Cos. GREAT FIRE AT OSWEGO, N. Y. The only safe in the great fire at Oswego that was exposed to the intense heat, which preserved the books, papers, and money uninjured. Oswego, July 10, 1853. Silas C. Herring, Esq., New York : Sir — The Patent Safe which we purchased from you some six years since, was seven ly tested by the great fire which occurred here on the 5 th instant. Our ware- house, in which the s ife was located, was a large wooden building, and filled at the time with a large quantity of merchandise, among which were considerable turpen- tine, alcohol, &c, making an unusually hot fire. A large quantity of kegs of nails in the vicinity of the safe was melted into solid masses. The brass knob and brass plates on the safe were melted off and the iron very much warped ; yet we have the pleasure to announce to you that our books, valuable papers, and about two thou- sand dollars in bank-bills, were all saved uninjured. The safe was not removed until the building and conttnts were entirely burned, the safe having undergone the most severe test as to its capacity to resist heat. We would like you to ship us another, of larger size and equal quality as soon as possible, for. in our opinion, no prudent business man should be wit-bout one of your genuine safes. The loss of our books and papers could not be repaired, and we are indebted to your safe for their preservation. Yours, FITZHUGH & LITTLEJOHN. FIRE IN GREENPORT, L. I. Greexport, L. I., September 0, 1854. S. C. Herring : Sir — On the 31st of August a destructive fire occurred on our premises, which destroyed our store and contents, with the exception of our books, money (SI, 500), and valuable papers, which were preserved in one of your truly valuable sales. We cheerfully recommend to all having valuables to preserve from fire to inclose them in one of your safes. We shall require two in future, and will use no other. WELLS & CARPENTER. FIRE AT LEROY, N. Y. Le Rot, March 1, 1855. Mr. S. C. Herring : Sir — I deem it an act of justice to inform you that I was the owner of one of your Champion Safes, in which were my books and papers when my store was destroyed by fire on the loth of January last : and although the safe was exposed to an intense heat for about six hours, and during the time covered with burning timbers, lam pleased to say that all my books and papers were restored uninjured. Yours. J. M. FOREMAN. 52 herring's fire-proof safes. FIRE AT FISHKILL PLAINS, N. Y. Fishkill Plains, December 1, 1857. S. C. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen— One of your safes was in my father's flouring mill some time since, when it was destroyed by fire, and your safe preserved the books and papers entire ; and since then we have had the greatest confidence in your safes. R. S. VAN WYCK. FIRE AT ORISKANY FALLS, N. Y. Oriskany Falls, January 4, 1858. S. C. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen — The Herring's Safe I purchased from you some time since was sub- jected to a severe test of fire on the morning of the 31st day of December, being envel- oped in flames made of turpentine, oil, &c. My store and its contents were completely destroyed, with the exception of what was intrusted in the safe. My books, bonds, money, notes, and insurance policies were saved, and I think your safe deserves the name of Champion. I will forward you the safe and will require another the same size. D. S. BUCKINGHAM. FIRE AT SING SING, N. Y. Sing Sing, N. Y., November 28, 1859. Herring & Co. : Dear Sirs— I this day forward to your address my old safe, per propeller Ora. This safe was in the large fire at Sing Sing prison on the 2d day of October last, and was subjected to an intense heat, and remained in the ruins eight hours after the fire was subdued. Not having the key at hand, I was necessarily compelled to break the door open, and, to my great astonishment, I found mv books preserved without a single leaf being burnt. I will thank you to send me another of the same size per return propeller. Respectfully yours, BEN J. UNDERWOOD. FIRE AT MEDINA, N. Y. Medina, N. Y , December 23, 1859. S. C. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen— On the morning of the 18th instant, our establishment at this place, known as the Orleans Mills, with two extension warehouses attached, was destroyed by fire. The combustible materials lending rapidity to the flames prevented our saving anything in the buildings, with the exception of our books and papers, which we were fortunate enough to have in one of your safes. After sixteen hours of intense heat the safe was taken out red hot, and surrendered its contents without the least appearance of having undergone such a test. For further proof of this we refer you to the citizens of this place who saw it opened and expressed their satisfaction at the result. HILL, WHALEN & CO. Plate No. 15. No. 8— High, with Banker's Chest. Banker's Chest. 32 in. high, , 14 in. high, \ 22 in. wide, [■ Inside. 22 in. wide, > Outside. 15 in. deep, 15 in. deep, No. x fz— Folding Door, with Banker's Chest. 34 In. high, \ 24 in. wide, '- Inside. 16 in. deep, ) Banker's Chest. 14 in. high, 24 in. wide, '- Outside. 15 in. deep, herring's fire-proof safes. 53 FIRE AT OWEGO, N, T. Owego, N. Y., March 23, 1860. S. C. Herring ct Co. : Gentlemen — The safe we purchased from you a short time since preserved our hooks and papers of (great value to us) safely during the great fire of the 20th instant. It was opened as soon as we could get it out of the ruins, being sixteen hours, and unlocked as perfectly as it ever had done. Will it he safe to risk it again ? Yours, STONE & CO. GREAT FIRE AT WHITEHALL, N. Y. Whitehall, N. Y., April 17, 1860. Messrs. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen— On the 13th of April, 1860, a large fire occurred here, destroying several stores, including one of the banks. In my drug-store was one of your safes, which stood an intense heat for several hours, among oils, turpentine, and other combustible matter, such as is used in every drug-store. The glass ware was all melted into one mass. Every one said and expected the contents of said safe, including books and papers, would be totally destroyed ; and even my faith was shaken when I saw the test it was subjected to. I opened the safe in the presence of the President of Whitehall Bank and others, and, to my utmost astonishment and surprise, every article was preserved, the papers all in as good condition as when put in. I have ordered, through your agent, another one. E. W. HALL. FIRE ON THE HUDSON RIVER. Coeymans, Albany County, N. Y., August 1, 1860. Messrs. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen — We were so fortunate as to have our books, papers, silver, and a large amount of money in bank bills in the safe we bought from you two years ago, on board the propeller T. C. Durant, on Friday last, July 27. When that steamer caught fire and was burned, the safe was on deck in the captain's office, and exposed to an intense heat ; in fact, some gold in the money-drawer several feet from the safe was melted, while the entire contents of the safe were preserved with hardly the smell of fire . There was a canister of powder in the safe, besides our money and valuables ; yet everything was saved, even to the powder. SCHOONMAKER & JOHNSON. FIRE AT DUNDEE, N. Y. Dundee, N. Y., December 5, 1860. Messrs. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen — The safe in the fire on the 27th ultimo was- the same one you sold me two years ago. It was a $60 size, and is now owned by Fred Smith, a jeweler. It was in a three-story brick building in the hottest part of the fire ; was in the fire twelve hours. When they got it out he was very much excited, and poured water on it. When cooled off, it was opened by a blacksmith ; as the safe and lock-work were so much heated, it could not be unlocked with the key. He found his jewelry all safe— watches all ticking, bank-bills all right. I have a five-dollar bill in my pocket that was in the safe at the time. The brass knob on the door was melted off. Some of the jewelry slightly damaged by steam ; but this, I think, was caused by the water thrown on the safe to cool it. Yours truly, D. E. BEDELL. 54 herring's fire-proof safes. FIRE AT STATEN ISLAND. January 23, 1861. Messrs. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen — A large fire occurred here on the 22d of October last, which destroyed our workshop. In our office we had one of your safes, which preserved our books and p^ipeis, amounting in value to 820,000. The safe was surrounded by lumber, which made a tremendous heat. We do not consider our valuables secure without one of your safes. Respectfully yours, I103INSON & MTJLFORD. FIRE IN DUNKIRK, N. Y. Dunkirk, N Y., April 2G, 1861. Messrs. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen — At the large fire which occurred here, October 19, 1856, our store was destroyed. We had our books, valuable papers, &c, saved from destruction through the security of your Fire-proof Safe. The fire was extremely hot ; besides the building and other combustible materials, we had some oil. turpentine, and varnish on hand, which gave the safe a pretty severe roasting. We are very much pleased with this test, and take pleasure in recommending your safes to the public. Respectfuilv yours, T. R. COLEMAN & CO. FIRE AT CARTHAGE, N. Y. Carthage, N. Y., July 17, 1861. Messrs. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen— In the large fire which occurred in our place on Sunday night last, my store was destroyed. One of your Patent Champion Safes, which I bought from you last fall, was removed from the building to the street, though it is doubt- ful if this change did not expose it to a hotter tire than if it had been left untouched. The fire swept both sides of the street, and the wind kept the flames constantly on the safe. After the fire I found the contents well preserved. Everything in the safe was perfect, except that the leather binding of the books was affected by the steam. Respectfully yours, C. N. BOW. FIRE AT UNION SPRINGS, N. Y. Union Springs, N. Y , December 19, 1861. Messrs. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen— On the morning of the 30th of November last a large fire occurred in this place, consuming some five or six stores ; and among the number was ours, with all its contents. We were fortunate in being provided with one of your safes, which contained all our books, papers. &c, which, we are happy to inform you, were preserved uninjured, after being exposed to a severe test. Respectfully yours, CURRY & HATHORN. herring's fire-proof safes. 55 THE GREAT FIRE AT COOPERSTOWN, N. Y. Cooperstown, N. T., April 18, 1862. Messrs. Herring & Co., New York : Gentlemen — The safe of your make, purchased from your store some time ago — size No. 1, low folding-door — passed through the great fire here, being subjected to a heat of ten hours of an intense character. My books had been removed, but all the papers left in the safe were taken out afterward in perfect order, only discolored by steam. The safe has proved itself perfectly fire-proof. Yours. &c, JOHN F. SCOTT. FIRE IN BURDETT, SCHUYLER COUNTY, N. Y. BuRDETr, N. Y., August 30, 1862. Messrs. Herring & Co. : It affords me pleasure to say that when my store was destroyed by fire on the loth ultimo I was so fortunate as to have one of your Champion Safes, in which were my books, papers, money, some plate and jewelry, all of which were preserved entire, without any injury. The safe was exposed to an intense heat for thirteen hours, surrounded by coal- oil, and other very combustible materials. I shall want another safe soon, and shall have none but yours. G. R. BURDETT, per Myron Raplee. FIRE IN WELLSVILLE, N. Y. "VVellsyille, N. Y., May 4, 1863. Messrs. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen — My store was entirely destroyed by the fire which occurred here on the night of .April 28. I had one of your Patent Champion Safes in use, and although it had a severe roasting, it was the means of preserving my books and papers. I shall order a new one of you as soon as I have use for it. Respectfully yours, E. P. CLARK. GREAT FIRE IN GLENS FALLS, N. Y. Glens Falls, N. Y., June 4, 1864. Messrs. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen — My store was entirely destroyed by fire at the very destructive con- flagration which left the business portion of this village in ashes on the 31st of May last. I had in use one of your make of safes which was purchased some years ago, and which preserved its contents to my entire satisfation. I cheerfully recommend your safes to all who are in want of a good fire-proof safe. Yours, &c. , WM. CRONKHITE. 56 herring's fire-proof safes. FIRE IN BREWERTON, N. Y. Brewerton, N. Y., August 7, 1864. Messrs. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen — On the 80th day of November, 1857, 1 purchased of your agents. D. S. and S. P. Geer, at Syracuse, one of your Champion Safes, No. 16,212, which was burned, together with my store, on the morning cf the 5th day of August, 1 864. It contained my books, papers, and other valuables ; and I am happy to state to you that, after resisting great heat (the brass plate and knob being melted), it brought out its contents in a good state of preservation. And I would also say that I have the utmost confidence in your Champion Sxfes, and would recommend all businessmen to purchase one, as no man should be without one. D. H. WATERBURY. FIRE IN RUSHFORD, N. Y. Rushford, N. Y., January 24, 1865. Messrs. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen — The safe of your manufacture which I bought from you a few years since has been severely tested and done its duty well. On the 17th of March last my store, with its contents, was entirely destroyed by fire. Your safe contained all my books, valuable papers, and over three thousand dollars in money, and you may well imagine the interest with which I awaited the issue. It was in the hot- test of the fire, and I cannot think a safe ever likely to be exposed to a more trying ordeal than this was Everything it contained was well preserved; nothing injured by fire; even the bank-bills were as good money as when they were first put in the JOHN H. TOUSLEY. THE GREAT FIRE IN MEXICO, N. Y. Mexico, Oswego Co., N. Y., July 20. 1864. Messrs. Herring & Co., 251 Broadway, New York : Gentlemen — At the time of the late disastrous fire at this place, the Herring Safe belonging to the county of Oswego and occupied by the Surrogate contained all my valuable papers, placed there for safe-keeping. I had therein $2,50) of five- twenty bonds, about $500 in currency, together with mortgages, notes, will, inven- tory, and vouchers of the estate of the late 0. H. Whitney, representing and account- ing for value equal to $50,000. All these passed through the fire in perfect safety. The greenbacks are yet legal tender, and the papers are hardly discolored ; envel- opes and postage stamps are yet tit for use, and the five-twenty bonds are in as perfect condition as when they passed the hands of the printer. The safe was in the second story, fell to the cellar, and there lay till it could be removed, preserv- ing its contents as above stated through the hottest fire ever known in our unfor- tunate village. Respectfully yours, D. W. C. PECK. FIRE AT MOTTVILLE, N. Y. Mottville, N. Y. , December 26, 1865. Messrs. Herring & Co., New York : Gentlemen — We have one of your safes that has been through a fire. Our store was burned on the 15th of October last. Ihe safe fell into the cellar and was red- Plate No. 16. No. 1— High, Folding Door, with Banker's Chest. Banker's Chest. 38 in. high, \ 14 In. high, \ 24 in. wide, j Inside. 24 in. wide, (• Outside. 16 in. deep, ) 16 in. deep, \ No. 2-High, Folding Door, with Banker's Chest. iiiLir 44 in. high, , 24 in. wide, [• Inside. 16 in. deep, ) Banker's Chest. 16 in. high, ) 24 in. wide, |- Outside. 16 in. deep, ) herring's fire -proof safes. 57 hot for nearly three hours. The papers and hooks were well preserved ; and though the iron on the outside was burned through, the money, &c, came out all right. Now we wish to know whether you can repair it ; also, the price of a new one the same size or a size larger. We have built a new store since and are selling goods again, and do not like to be without our best Insurance Company — the safe. Respectfully yours, BENEDICT BROTHERS, Mottville, Onondaga county, N. T. SEVERE FIRE AT YONKERS. Office of the "Statesman," Ycnkfes, March 19, 1866. Messrs. Herring & Co., New York : Gentlemen— On the night of the 3d of January last the village of Yonkers was visited by a very destructive fire, destroying the whole of the Farrington Building. The office of The Statesman was on the second floor, and everything it contained was consumed, with the exception of the contents of one of your Champion Safes (No. 21,975) which, I am happy to say, were preserved in perfect order after being in the burning ruins for nearly one week. I am much pleased to add my testimony to the superiority of your safes, and shall want another. Very respectfully yours, M. F. ROWE, Publisher of The Statesman. GREAT FIRE AT SARATOGA— BURNING OF CONGRESS HALL. Saratoga Springs, N. Y., June 1, 1366. Messrs. Herring, Farrel & Sherman, 251 Broadway, New York : Gentlemen— You have already learned, through the papers, that Congress Hall in this village, was totally destroyed by lire on the night ot Monday, May 28. "We had one of your Herring's Patent Champion Safes. Its peculiar location prevented its removal. It remained nearly in the center of the. building surrounded on all sides by the flames, and those who witnessed this terrible fire can testify to its terrific heat. We were unable to open the safe until this morning, when we found our insurance policies, with other valuable papers and money, in an excellent state of preservation. This was a severe test of the qualities of your Patent Champion Safe. Nobly did it sustain the standard reputation so well established with the business men of the country. We do not intend to do business in future without one. Respectfully yours, H. H. HATHORN & CO., Proprietors of Congress Hall. GREAT FIRE AT BUTTERNUTS- SEPTEMBER, 1866. Butternuts, Otsego Co., N. Y., September 13, 1836. Messrs. Herring, Farrel & Sherman : Gentlemen— The great fire that has burned so much of our beautiful and flour- ishing little village originated at the corner store, spreading in two directions and carrying destruction to all that came ir. contact with its fiery darts, until seven stores, harness-shop, saloon, cibinet-shop, three dwelling-houses, large dwelling- house and shoe-store, dwelling-house, harness-shop and office, and two dentists' n 58 herring's fire-proof safes. offices, were completely destroyed. The noble little safe I purchased of you stood the test to a charm ; it was badly burned and defaced on the outside, but the contents were all safe. This was the only safe in the lire. When pit out it was in the building where the lire originated, ami I should s:iy in the hottest of the fire. We have no engine in this village to assist at a fire, so the noble little safe had to stand the burn. The test of this convinces me that Berring & Co. 's Safe is the safe. Respectfully, WILLIAM OLIVER. GKEAT FIRE IX BUTTERNUTS. Butternuts, N. T., Oct. 23, 18GG. Messrs. Herring, Farrel & Sherman, New York : Gentlemem Our village was visited by a serious conflagration on the 17th August last, in which it was my misfortune to be one of the sufferers. The tire commenced about midnight in my stoic and was not arrested until fourteen buildings were entin ly destroyed. Nothing was to be found in my store after the tin' hut one of your Patent Safes ; the building and st> ck of goods were a total loss, not a drop of water having been put on. We found the safe in the cellar, and it was red-hot when discovered. It fell near where a barrel of kerosene was kept, which probably helped to "roast" it; at all events, the brass knob and plates in front of the safe were all melted off, and I bad great fears that the tire had been too severe for it. We managed to cool it off after a while, and, when we finally got it open, you may judge of my agreeable surprise to find everything all saved. The covers *<\' the books were somewhat stained, but aside from this everything in the safe was as good for use as if there had been no lire. Respectfully yours, J. C. TRUMAN. PHILADELPHIA. THE GREAT FIRE IN STRAWBERRY STREET. Philadelphia. March 29, 1852. Mr. John barrel, Agent : Sib Tt affords us much satisfaction to inform you that the Herring Safe which we purchased of you a short time since preserved our bonks and papers in good condition during the severe ordeal through which it pissed .it the disastrous conflagration that took place at our warehouse en the morning of the 2Sth instant, when tin' safe was exposed to the most intense heat for some hours, and when dragged from the flames wis red-hot on several sides. We make this statement by way of bearing testimonj to the worth of these valuable fire-proofs. Very respectfully, LEWIS & CO. tilt HAT FIRE IX CHESTNUT STKEET. burning of Welsh's circus, Chinese museum, &c, .hi.y 5, 1854. • Philadelphia, July 7, 1854. Messrs. barrel & Co. : Gentlemen — The Herring Fire-proof Safe which we purchased from you. and had in use in our store. 214 Chestnut street, on the night of its destruction by the great tire of the 5th instant, after an exposure of nearly twenty-four hours t.> intense he it. has proved more than equal to our expectations. It was situated in the very centre of our store, and was the only article, with its contents, that remained in Plate No. 17. No. 3— Folding Door, with Banker's Chest rrr 77 ^ , : 7 1 \w, ii^'iiiiiwiiiijiii^Wi ^n nil' HtfiRINCi TAR H EL & SHERMAN "I" 1 ; // 44 In. high, 32 In. wide, ' iside. 17 in. deep, JJankcr's Chest. 20 In. high, \ 32 in. wide, [• Outside. 17 in. deep, ) No. 3— Folding Door, with Banker's Chest, half Size. i|\C (IV m nil! <1 W«™ MEBRINC, FARREI &SHFRIVIAN v t>ii<, 44 in. high, . 32 in. wide, V Inside. 17 in. deep, ) Banker's Chest. 20 in. high, ■ 16 in. wide, j- Outside. 17 in. deep, 1 herring's fibe-pboof safes. 59 the building which was not entirely destroyed. Everything in the safe was per- fectly preserved. We shall want another of your safes, of larger size, as soon as we become located. Yours, THOS. W. EVANS & CO. ANOTHER. Philadelphia, July 11, 1854. Messrs. Farrel & Co. : Gentlemen — At the recent extensive fire in Chestnut street I was located di- rectly in front of the building known as " Welsh's C : rcus," or National Theater. The Herring Fire proof Safe which I purchased from you about one year since was exposed to a great heat and stocd the fire well. I cheerfully bear testimony to the entire preservation of my books, papers, and money in good order, with the excep- tion of being somewhat stained by steam. Respectfully vours, C. T. AMSLER. By J. Stz, Attorney. THE GREAT FIRE AT FIFTH AND CHESTNUT STREETS. DEC. 14. 1854. AGAIN HERRING'S SAFE THE CHAMPION ! Philadelphia, December 16th, 1851. Messrs. Farrel & Co., No. 31 Walnut street : The Herring's Patent Champion Safe which I bought of you nearly two years since has " turned up" all right. We dug it from the ruins in the cellar yesterday. The safe was in the back part of the fourth story of Fotteral's Build- ings, corner of Fifth and Chestnut streets, on the night of the great fire of the 14th inst., and fell with the burning timbers. It contained all my books and papers. My stock, consisting of blank-books and paper, was very large, as I had recently taken in a quantity of paper, which was piled up in stacks near the safe, exposing it to great heat. Not a thing was saved on my premises except the con- tents of your safe, which effectually resisted all the " fury of the flames." I am now using the same books and papers. Yours truly, THOS. W. PRICE. BURNING OF THE ARTISAN BUILDING. Phidadelphia, April 12th, 1856. Messrs. Farrel & Herring : Gentlemen — The Herring's Fire-proof Safe which we purchased from you some time since was in the fourth story of the Artisan Building, on the night of its destruction by fire. April 10th. 1850. The Site was taken from the ruins yester- day, the exterior showing no injury from the effects of its fearful fall ; and when opened our jewelry, which was of great value, was found to be in excellent order. We have no hesitation in recommending your safes to the public as in every way worthy of their confidence. Yours respectfully, GEO. W. SIMONS & Co. GREAT FIRE AT SFXTH AND MARKET STREETS, MAY 1, 1856. Philadelphia, May 2d, 1856. Messrs. Farrel & Herring : Gentlemen— The Herring's Pitent Champion Fire-proof Safe which we pur- chased from you in the month of January list was situated in our counting-room, in the second story of No. 231 Market street, on the night of the great fire, 1st of May, 1856, and fell with the burning building in that conflagration. The safe 00 herring's fire-proof safes. was reached this afternoon, after an exposure of THIRTY-SIX HOURS to intense heat ; and although the brass plates on the front of the safe melted, and the exte- rior shows the evidence of extreme heat, the inside casing was found to be UN- TOTJCHED BYFIRE, and, with the exception of being a little steamed, is now AS GOOD AS NEW. EDWARD SEAMANS & CO. ANOTHER IN THE SAME FIRE. Philadelphia, May 3d, 18 50. Messrs. Farrel & Herring : Gentlemen Tha Herring's Patent Champion Fire-proof Safe oi your manufac- ture which we purchased Dearly a year since was in the center of our building at the time of its destruction in the great fire of May 1. 1856. We had removed the greatest portion of our books before the fire reached us, but left some i>( them, together with a number of loose papers, inside purposely to test the security of the safe. After thirty-eight hours of severe roasting we found the interi ir of the safe, upon opening", not only bright and sound, but the books and papers as free from lire as when first put in. We sh all require another safe as soon as we get a new location, ami want none but your CHAMPION. Yours, &c, FISHES * BROTHER, No. 15 North Sixth street. BURNING OF THE GIRARD BUILDINGS. Philadelphia, February '■", 1857. Messrs. Farrel & Herring : Gentlemen — The Herrings' s Patenl Safe which I bought from youafewyears ago was in the late fire at the Girard Buildings on the L'Sth ult. , and has given entire satisfaction. The safe was taken from the building and opened this morn- ing ; it contained all my books, insurance policies, and valuable papers, which were found to he A 1.1. S Yours, &c, WILLIAM 11. SICKLES, Printer, lute of No. 102 Chestnut street. destructive: fire in MARKET STREET. Philadelphia, December, 1857. Messrs. Farrel & Herring : Gentlemen At the destructive tire in 'Market street, above Eighth, on the night of the 6th hist., in which our warehouse was entirely consumed, the Herring's Patent Safe v{ your manufacture which we bought from you some nineteen months ago was in the secon 1 story of om building, an 1 contained all our books of accounts, valuable papers, &C. The safe /ell with the ruins, and was taken out and opened yesterday ; not a paper was scorched, not a line of writing was injured ; every article in the safe was preserved in excellent order. Truly yours, DAVIS \ STEEL. ANOTHER LARGE FIRE IX CHESTNUT STREET. riiiLADELrm.Y, January 19, 1800. Messrs. Farrel, Herring & Co., 629 Chestnut street : Gentlemen — We have recovered the Herring's Latent Champion safe of your make which we bought from you nearly live years ago, from the ruins of our build- Plate No. 18. No. 3' /2— High, Folding Door, with Banker's Chest. 50 in. high, \ 32 in. wide, - Inside. 17 in. deep, i Banker's Chest. 20 in. high, , 32 in. wide, j- Outside. 17 in. deep, ) herring's fire-proof safes. 61 ing, No. 71G Chestnut sheet, which was entirely destroyed by fire on the morning of the 17th instant. So rapid was the progress of the flames, hefore we could reach the store the whole interior was one mass of fire. The safe, being in the back part of the stove and surrounded by the most combustible materials, was exposed to great heat. It fell with the walls of that part of the building into the cellar, and remained im- bedded in the ruins for more than thirty hours. The safe was opened this morning in the presence of a number of gentlemen, and the contents, comprising our books, bills receivable, money, and a large amount of valuable papers, are all safe ; not a thing was touched by fire. Respectfully yours, THEO. H. PETERS & CO. BURNING OF WALLACE'S COAL OIL FACTORY. Philadelphia, April 7, 1862. Messrs. Farrel, Herring & Co., No. G29 Chestnut street : Gentlemen — In justice to you and the public, I would state that the Herring's Patent Safe I purchased of you stood the fire. I bad it in use at my coal oii factory in Haydock street, which was destroyed by tire on the 31st ult. My books, papers, money — and in fact everything it contained — came out in perfect condition. As soon as I get settled I will call aid select another one, having perfect confidence in the superior fire-proof qualities of the Herring Sate. JOHN K. WALLACE, Proprietor of Keystone Coal Oil Works. GREAT FIRE IN CHESTNUT STREET, JANUARY 1, 1866. Philadelphia, January 2, 1866. Messrs. Farrel, Herring & Co.: Gentlemen — We have just opened our safe, one of your manufacture, which passed through the destructive fire in Chestnut street last night. The safe was in our office, No. 607, which building was entirely destroyed. The safe was in a warm place, as you may well suppose, and was red-hot when taken out of the embers. We are well satisfied with the result of this trial, and our books, papers, and some $10,1)00 in money, are almost as perfect as when put in the sate. Nothing is in- jured, if we except the leather bindings of the books, which are steamed ; the money and papers are as good as ever. Yours truly, WELLS, FARGO & CO.. Per J. H. Cook, Agent. DESTRUCTION OF DOLBY'S PLANING-MILLS BY^FIRE. Philadelphia, August 9, 1862. Messrs. Farrel, Herring & Co., No. 629 Chestnut street : Gentlemen —On Friday, the 8th instant, I was so unfortunate as to have my X>laningmills totally destroyod by fire, together with their contents, the machinery being melted by the intensity of the heat ; in fact, the only articles saved were con- tained in one of your invaluable safes, which, although exposed to an intense heat for many Hours, to my surprise ami gratification, rendered up its contents in a perfect state of preservation. The brass plate on front of the safe was melted. Please send me one of your No. 2 Fo;ding-door Safes, to use until permanently situated, when I will make arrangements for a larger one. L. B. M. DOLBY 62 herring's fire-proof safes. BURNING OF JONES' PLANING-MILL, TWENTY-FIRST AND CHESTNUT STUEETS. Philadelphia, May 2, I860. Messrs. Farrel, Herring & Co. : Gentlemen — My planing-mill and stock on hand were destroyed by fire yester- day morning about six o'clock. The only thing saved was the contents of one of your truly valuable Fi re-proof Safes. My building was one hundred and twenty feet long and forty feet wide, and the safe was in the hottest of the fire, and when it was removed, in the afternoon, and opened, my books, papers, &c, were found, to my surprise and gratification, uninjured. Yours truly, J. D. JONES. PENNSYLVANIA. BURNING OF THE CUMBERLAND VALLEY RAILROAD BUILDINGS AT CHAMBERSBURG. Ciiambeksburg, Pa., October 22, 1862. Messrs. Farrel, Herring & Co., Philadelphia : Gentlemen — One of the freaks of the rebels in their recent raid was to burn our depot (Cumberland Valley Railroad Company), in which one of your safes was subjected to a very severe test for four days In justice to you we will say that we were present at the opening of the safe and found the contents in an excellent state of preservation. A. A. LULL, Superititcndent. W. B. GILMORE, Ticket Agent. GEORGE A. CEITZ, A. Q. M. J. H. EYSTER. A. S. HULL. BURNING OF THE TOWN OF CHAMBERSBURG, JULY 30, 1864. NUMBER ONE. CHAMBERSBURG, Pa., August 15, 1864. Messrs. Farrel, Herring & Co. ; Gentlemen— On the 30th of last month we had our place of business burned out by the rebels. We had one of your safes in our store at the time ; the safe fell to the cellar, where we had a stock of tar, turpentine, oils, &o. The heat was so intense that we despaired of saving any of the contents. Judge of our surprise on opening it to find our books in good order. A few papers were discolored by steam, but sustained no injury. Please send us another safe soon. HUBER & TOLBERT. herring's fire-proof safes. 63 NUMBER TWO. Chamberseurg, Pa., August 1G, 1864. Messrs. Parrel, Herring & Co.: Gentlemen — I had one of your Fire-proof Safes at the time of the late rebel raid, July 30, when I was burned out. The safe was in my beer-house. It came out all right ; it saved my books and papers. GEORGE LED WIG. NUMBER THREE CHAMBERSBURG, Pa., August 16, 1864. Messrs. Farrel, Herring & Co. : Gentlemen— At the burning of our town by the rebels, July 30, I had one of your make of safes. It laid in the ruins for six weeks. Judge of my surprise to find my books, papers, and money in perfect, order. SAMUEL F. GREENAWALT. NUMBER FOUR. Chambersburg, Pa., August 15, 1864. Messrs. Farrel, Herring & Co. : Gentlemen — I had in use, at the time of the burning of this place by the rebels (July 30) one of your safes. Owing to the great heat it could not be got at until August 5, when I had the brick so tar removed from the cellar (where the safe had fallen) as to enable me to open it. The safe was in such condition that I feared the contents would prove a charred mass, and entail a heavy loss in accounts, &c. My books were removed so hot that the hand could not remain on them, owing to the steam from contents of cellar and lining of safe. They were permitted to remain in the basket until this day, when, upon a more careful examination, I find them legible and not burnt, as I at first supposed. They, of course, are very much stained from steam, and the bindings destroyed from some cause ; but as far as I have examined I can transcribe all the accounts. Yours respectfully, J. S. NLXON, Druggist. NUMBER FIVE Chambersburg, August 15, 1864. Messrs. Farrel, Herring & Co. : Gentlemen — I have had in use one of your unequal ed safes for a period of four years. My law office was entirely consumed in the fearful conflagration of this place on July 30. The safe fell into the cellar, where it has lain among the ruins until this date. To-day it was removed and found too hot to bear the naked hand. It was necessary to cool it with water before opening it ; yet, alter having passed through this extraordinary fire and remaining hot for sixteen days, the papers, although discolored by steam, are perfectly legible. GEORGE W. BREWER. 64 herring's fire-proof safes. BURNING OF ODD FELLOWS' HALL. Wrightsville, Pa., August 30, 18G2. Messrs. Farrel, Herring & Co.: Gentlemen — On the night of the 28th of this month we had the misfortune to have our Odd Fellows' Hall burned out. We had one of your Champion Safes in it at the time on the third floor ; it fell down into the cellar and laid in the fire until the next evening, when it was taken out. On opening it we found everything all safe. We consider it to be the hottest fire we ever had in the place. The brass knob and plate on the door were melted off. A. BARTON SLOAT, N. G. of the Chihuahua Lodge A r o. 317. THE RAID IN PENNSYLVANIA. ANOTHER SUFFERER. Wrightsville, Pa., July 8, 1863. Messrs. Farrel, Herring & Co. : Gentlemen — I had one of your Fire-proof Safes at the time of the rebel raid at this place. After the bridge was burned, or at the time, it set fire to the lumber- yard and warehouses. We consider the safe is worthy of the name of Fire-proof; it saved all that we intrusted to its care. SAMUEL OBERDORFF. GREAT FIRE AT LOCK HAVEN. Lock Haven, Pa., December 10, 1862. Messrs. Farrel, Herring & Co., Philadelphia : Gentlemen — On Saturday last our town was visited by the largest fire we have ever had. Nearly all the business portion was destroyed— some forty or fifty buildings. The safe we had of your make stood the test nobly. Our books and papers are in a state of perfect preservation. We will send the safe to you and order one of larger size. We have all confidence in your safe and want no other make. There was a cast or " chilled iron" safe of Troy manufacture all burned up in the same fire. Yours truly, WOODS & WRIGHT. ANOTHER SAFE IN SAME FIRE. Lock Haven, Pa , December 9, 1862. Messrs. Farrel, Herring & Co., Philadelphia : GENTLEMEN—About four o'clock on Saturday morning, the 6th inst., our town was nearly destroyed by fire, consuming about forty buildings, my store among the rest. I had one of your Fire-proof Safes in my jewelry store at the time, and it saved all my stock, books, papers, and money. Would like to know if you can fix the safe up if I send it to you, or what difference you will make one in exchange for a new one of same size. Yours truly, G. G. WEIDHAHN. Plate No, 19. No. 4— Folding Door, with Banker's Chest. m*m ERRI M G . FARREL ttl SH CRMAkl %H 50 in. Iiiiih, , 3S In. wide, j- Inside. IS in. deep, I Banker's Chest. 20 in. Iiiiili, i 3S in. wide, [- Outside. 18 in. deep, ) herring's fire-proof safes. 65 GREAT FIRE AT WELLSBORO'. SEVEN STORES BURNED — FIVE OF HERRING' S SAFES TESTED ! Wellsboro', Pa., December 21, 1861. Messrs. Herring & Co., New York : Gentlemen — At the great fire which occurred here on the 18th December last my store, with a number of other buildings, was entirely destroyed. No fewer than seven places of business were burned out, and rive of your safes were severely tested, in every instance saving their entire contents, to the complete and perfect satisfac- tion of the owners. Two of your Herring's Patent Champion Safes which were in my building remained there through the entire conflagration, and were not opened until the day after the fire. No water was thrown on the building. Everything in my safe, after the fire, was nearly as good as new. C. L. Wilcox also preserved all his books, papers, and money in two of your safes, both being in the same fire. William Roberts was also the fortunate owner of another of your Patent Champion Safes, which was severely tested, and saved completely his books, papers, and money. The result has given great satisfaction, and we want no safe but Herring's Champion. Please send me one, same size I last bought of you, immediately. Send by New York and Erie Railroad via Tioga depot. JOHN It. BOWEN. TWO MORE ! Wellsboro', Pa., January G, 1862. Messrs. Herring & Co., New York : Gentlemen — At the time of the recent large fire in this place I was the fortunate owner of two of your safes, which were exposed to the said fire. The safes con- tained all my books, papers, and about two thousand dollars in bank-bills, which, it gives me pleasure to inform you, were preserved to my entire satisfaction. Respectfully yours, C. L. WILCOX. ANOTHER! Wellsboro', Pa., January 6, 1862. Messrs. Herring, & Co., 251 Broadway, New York : Gentlemen — It gives me pleasure to inform you that my books, papers, and about four hundred dollars in bank-bills, were preserved uninjured in one of your Patent Safes at the great fire which occurred here December Id, which destroyed a large portion of the business put of the town. I now have the utmost confidence in your safes, and would advise every man that has books and valuable papers to sup- ply himself with one of Herring's Patent Champion Safes. Yours, &c. , WILLIAM ROBERTS. FIVE SAFES IN THE FIRE AT WILLIAMSPORT, PA. Williamsport, Pa. , April 17, 1858. Messrs. Farrel, Herring & Co., Philadelphia : Gentlemen— Having examined five of your Herring's Patent Safes which passed through the ordeal of the burning of the large brick building situated in Williams- port, Lycoming county, Pa., recently occupied by J. H. Fulmer & Co. as a store, 66 HERRING S FIRE-PROOF SAFES. we cheerfully certify to the perfect safety of all combustible materi il contained in them ; and from the evidences we thus have of the security of these safes we have no hesitation in stating that they are fire-proof. From our knowledge of the com- bustible material contained in said store and in the immediate vicinity of the safes, it was undoubtedly one of the severest tests to which they could have been sub- jected. Signed, ROBERT FLEMING, J. H. FULMER & CO., DR. S. F. GREEN, THOS. SMITH, C. W. SCATES, H. A. FOULD, GEO. WHITE, WM. H GIBSON, JOHN HAYS, THOS. LYMA, HUSTON HELTSURN, S. JONES, WEBB, CANFIELD & CO., JUDGE JAS. ARMSTRONG, L. C. KINYON, DR. ANDREW KLKTT, MAG. GEO. W. LENTZ, THOS. TUROP, P. M., WM. H. HAY, C. H. BAEBLER. THE GREAT FIRE AT OIL CITY. FIVE OF HERRING'S PATENT CHAMPION SAFES SEVERELY TESTED. NUMBER ONE. OIL CITY BANK. Oil City, Pa., June 22, 1866. Messrs. Herring, Farrel & Sherman, New York : Gentlemen — The building in which the Oil City Bank had their office was en- tirely consumed in the destructive tire of May 26, which destroyed so many build- ings. The bank was using one of your largest size Herring's Patent Champion Fire-proof Safes, with an inside Bankers' Burglar-proof Chest. The books, papers, and money which it contained were well preserved : every pen-mark is as bright as before the fire. This was a severe test of the fire-proof qualities ol your safe, the fire being one of the hottest ever known in this region. Your safe has proved what you represented it to be perfectly fire -proof. Respectfully yours, JOHN B. CANBY, Cushier. NUMBER TWO. UNITED petroleum farms association. Oil City, Pa., June 22, 1866. Messrs. Herring, Farrel & Sherman, New York : Gentlemen — The great fire of May 26 completely destroyed our office. Our books, papers, and money were locked up in one of your Patent Champion Fire- proof Safes, with one of your Burglar-proof Chests across the bottom. They were all preserved in good condition. This safe was subjected to a tremendous test, as its exterior plainly shows, the iron being badly warped, the brass knobs and orna- mental plates entirely melted off. A safe which will stand the t ;st of such a the as this one was can be truly recommended as perfectly proof against fire. Respectfully yours, ANDREW CONE, General Superintendent U. P. F. Association. herring's fire-proof safes. 07 NUMBER THREE. Oil Citt, Pa , June 22, 18G6. Messrs. Herring, Farrel & Sherman, New York : Gentlemen — Our store was totally destroyed in the large fire of May 2G. The Herring's Patent Champion Safe manufactured by you which wc had in use pre- served its contents in excellent condition. Respectfully yours, BISHOP & DAWSON. NUMBER FOUR. Oil City, Pa., June 21, 1866. Messrs. Farrel, Herring Co.. Philadelphia : Gentlemin— We were among the sufferers by the extensive conflagration which took place here May 26. The fire was the largest which ever occurred here, de- stroying half the business portion of the town. The Patent Champion Safe of your manufacture saved the books, papers, and money which it contained in excellent condition ; every word and line is perfectly legible. We can recommend your safes to business men. Respectfully yours, REYNOLDS, BRODHEAD & CO. NUMBER FIVE. Oil City, Pa., June 21, 1866. Messrs. Farrel, Herring & Co., Philadelphia : Gentlemen — The most destructive fire which ever occurred in this borough took place on the morning of May 26, which swept away a large portion of the business stores. I lost a large amount of property ; however, I was the fortunate owner of one of your celebrated Patent Champion Fire-proof Safes, which contained my books and papers, with other valuables, which were saved in excellent order ; it also contained a gold watch, with a hair chain, which came out, to my surprise, without a mark of fire. Respectfully yours, JOHN H. GOTSHALL. FIRE IN GREENSBURG, PA. Greensburg, Pa., Sept. 25, 1858. Messrs. Farrel, Herring & Co. , Philadelphia : Gentlemen — One of the most destructive fires that his ever occurred in our place happened on Tuesday, the 22d instant, burning some twenty-five buildings. I had one of your Herring's Patent-fire Froof Safes in a building that was destroyed. The safe was subjected to an immense heat. It was taken from the ruins the fol- lowing day, and the door, near the handle, wao still red-hut. It contained books and a number oi' pipers, loose and in bundles, which were not damaged in the slightest. It gives me pleasure to add to the accumulated evidences of the safety and reliability of your safes. Yours truly, J. TURNEY. 68 herring's fire-proof safes. FIRE AT CARBONDALE. Carbondale, Dec. 10, 1855. Messrs. S. C. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen— As I have one of your safes in my store that has pissed through a most severe trial, I write you for the purpose of getting your opinion iu reference to its future security. Does exposure to heat materially effect or destroy them for resisting a second exposure ? If so, please write me your terms for exchanging for one of the same kind. This was purchased of yon some two or three years since at a cost, I believe, of fifty-six dollars, and has well repaid its cost. Its trial has been as severe as one could often be exposed to. It stood in a 1 irge wooden store directly over the office ; in the chamber was stored a large quantity of combustible materials, such as boxes, barrels, &c, which fell to the office below, and were consumed around the safe which contained my books, papers, and about two hundred dollars in money. On removing the sate, to the surprise of many, its contents were well preserved, having received no injury, with the exception of the leather binding to the books. I need not say to you that 1 consider your safes, in all ordinary cases,_ a perfect security ; and would recommend to all about to purchase to try one of your manufacture, with the fullest confidence that in case of trial it will prove "itself a perfect security against the destructive element. Please write me at your earliest convenience. Yours respectfully, STEPHEN S. CLARK. ANOTHER FIRE AT CARBONDALE. Carbondale, January 14, 1859. S. C Herring & Co. : Ckntlemkn— In the large and destructive lire at this place 1 had one of yoursafes. which was exposed to the severe test of heat eight hours, and, on opening, found our books and papers in a perfect state of preservation, and we now have them in USe ' S. S. CLARK. THE GREAT FIRE AT EASTON. Easton, May 2, 1855. Messrs. Faircl & Herring, Philadelphia : The Fire-proof Safe (Herring's Patent) which we purchased from you about six months since has proved itself lire-proof indeed. At the great lire in Easton on the night of the 21st of April last our carpenter-shop and all our lumber were con- sume,! by the dames. _ The sate stood in a part of the shop where it was surrounded by combustible materials, and was subjected to such an intense tl une as to heat it to a white heat. [| fell from the second story, and laid amongst the burning lumber for some con- siderable time before it could be removed ; but when it was taken out and opened the next morning, the books, money, and loose papers in the pigeon-holes were all found uninjured. Very respectfully yours, E. & W. KELLER. LARGE FIRE IX HEADING. Reading, Pa., April 23, 1862. Messrs. Farrel, Herring & Co.. Philadelphia : Dear Sins— On the 23d of March last we had the misfortune to have our Masonic Hall at this place burned out. We had one of Herring's Fire-proof Safes Plate No. 20. No. 4'/2- Folding Door, with Banker's Chest. *utf' H.IrriN'CJj.'farr'e;;): M;£H ERM A^^^riM 56 in. high, ; 38 in. wide, j- Inside. 18 in. deep, ) Banker's Chest. 20 in. high, \ 38 in. wide, j- Outside. 18 in. deep, ) herring's fire-proof safes. G9 in the Hall at the time. It saved our books, papers, and everything that was in- trusted to its care. We are well satisfied with the result, and will Rend the safe down to you. Please send us another of the same sort, one size larger, as we now have the greatest confidence in your safes. FEED. LAUER. H. M. ALBRIGHT. TOBIAS BARTO. FIRE AT RESACA. Rksaca, Pa., Apiil 28, 1859. Messrs. S. C. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen — The Herring's Safe which we purchased from you a short time since was tested by fire on the 8th instant by the burning of our warehouse. It gives us pleasure to inform you that it preserved our books, papers, and money unin- jured, although it was exposed to an intense he-it for a long time. You will please make another safe of larger dimensions, as the other was too small to con- tain all our books. Yours truly, MILLER & MACKEY. GREAT FIRE IN WILKESBARRE. Wilkesbarre, Pa., June 3, 1859. Messrs. Farrel, Herring & Co., No. 629 Chestnut street, Philadelphia : Gentlemen — On the night of the 30th and morning of the '.Tst May a fire broke out in this place, originating in my store, and consuming sixteen buildings in its ravages. The safe of your manufacture purchased from you a short time ago was in the hottest part of the fire for upwards of six hours, and was red-hot for a longtime. I take great pleasure in informing you that my books, papers, &c, have since been taken from the safe in a good state of preservation. I shall pur- chase another of your safes as soon as I become located. Yours respectfully, ROBERT WILSON. FIRE AT BLOSSBURG. Blossburg, Pa., April 23, 1862. Messrs. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen- Our store was entirely destroyed by fire on the 29th March last, and eveiythimr burned except the contents of your safe The Herring's Patent Champion which we bought some four years ago held all our books, money, and valuable papers. It fell into the cellar with the burning timbers, and among goods of a verycombustible character. It was in a very hot fire, and there re- mained until the fire exhausted itself, and nothing was left but the safe. The lock would not work, and we ha 1 to cut the door open. Our books, papers, and money were found all safe. Nothing damaged except the covers of the books, which were drawn by steam. Respectfully yours, GULICK & TAYLOR. 70 herring's fire-proof safes. FIRE IN KUSHDALE. Letter from a Banking House. Scranton, Pa., June 23, 1863. Messrs. Herring & Co., New York : Gentlemen — We send this day to the Metropolitan Bank $115 in currency that was taken out of one of your safes at Rushdale this morning, after a large store was burned, and heated your safe to a red heat The bouks and papers were all safe. If you desire to see and retain these bids, we have no objection. Respectfully yours, W. AV. WINTON & CO., Bankers. FIRE IN SHAMOKIN. Shamokin, Pa., May 28, 1866. Messrs. Farrel, Herring & Co., Philadelphia : Gentlemen— I had the misfortune to have my store and stock of goods, which was large, burned on the 4th instant. All that was saved was my books, papers, and money, in one of your patent safes. The fire was very large, consuming a block of buildings, and your safe was in the hottest part of the fire. I shall send the old safe to you and want you to send me one of next size larger. Yours truly, VALENTINE FAGELY. FIRE IN TITUSVILLE. Titusville, Pa., March 22, 1865. Messrs. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen -The large Herring's Patent Safe which we purchased of you last Oc- tober and had in use passed through the late great fire at this place. The safe contained all our books, papers, and money at the time, and the contents were all well preserved, although the fire was very hot, burning a whole block of buildings. G. S. WARREN & CO. NEW JERSEY. FIRE IN JERSEY CITY. Jersey City, February 19, 1852. Silas C. Herring : Sir— It gives us great pleasure to certify to the superiority of your safe, containing our books, papers, money, and watch-movements, which has just been recovered" from the ruins of the fire caused by the burning of our store on the night of the 17th instant, by which it was exposed to an intense heat for twelve hours. Every line of the books and papers is perfectly legible, and the watch movemeuts contained in the tin cases perfect and uninjured. PROUD & BOWMAN, Gold Watch-case Manufacturers, corner of Turk and Greene streets, Jersey City, N. J. herring's fire-proof safes. 71 ANOTHER FIRE IN JERSEY CITY. Jersey City, February 3, 1853. Mr. Silas C. Herring : Sir — It gives us much pleasure to say that a safe of your make was the means of preserving our books and valuable papers, together with a lot of silver spoons, finks, &c, from destruction by the fire that occurred in our store on the night of the 27th ultimo, at No. 40 Montgomery street. The fire commenced near the safe, which, owing to its situation on a wall, did not fall into the collar, but was exposed to the full heat of the fire from the commencement, and when taken from the ruins had all the brass plates and knobs completely melted off. R. B. EARLE & CO. ANOTHER FIRE IN JERSEY CITY. Jersey City, N. J., January 21, 1860. Messrs. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen — The small safe which I purchased from you some time ago was in my large three-story brick building, which was entirely destroyed by fire on the 20th of August last. The safe was in the second story, in the middle of the building, and fell into the cellar, where it rem lined covered by the burning ruins lor three days. On opening it, the contents, consisting of all my valuable papers and books, were found to be in a perfect state of preservation. Respectfully yours, S. W. BENNETT. FIEE AT NEWARK. [From the Newark Daily Advertiser of Friday Evening, September 16, 1859.] This morning a Herring's Safe, which had been in the third story, and in the ruins all night, and in the hottest part of the flames, was taken out, and, on open- ing it, its contents (the books of M essrs Ward & Johnson) were found to be en- tirely preserved. Newark, September 19, 1859. Messrs. S. C. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen— We take pleasure in stating that our books, papers, and money were preserved uninjured in one of your Pitent Champion Safes at the burning of our moulding mill on the 15th instant, after being exposed to the fire for several hours. WARD & JOHNSON. ANOTHER FIRE IN NEWARK. Newark, N. J., June 4, 1866. Messrs. Herring, Farrel & Sherman : Gentlemen — It affords me much pleasure to be enabled to say that the safe, which was of your make, and in my factery, No. 59 Railroad avenue, this city, at the time it was destroyed by fire in May last, although exposed to intense heat, and I am informed by one, a member of the Fire Department, that it was red-hot, yet the contents, books, papers, &c, were uninjured, not even the paint on the inside blistered. The result was so satisfactory that one of my neighbors purchased it for his own use ; and as soon as my building is completed I will want another of the same sort. Respectfully, B. WEST. Y2 herring's fire-proof safes. FIRE AT PATERSON. Paterson, Jan. 2, 1857. Silas C. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen— It affords us great pleasure to inform you that the safe which we purchased of you some years since, and which was in our store at the time of its destruction by fire on the night of 80th December, 1856, has fully realized our expectations. It contained all our books and valuable papers, besides about eight hundred dollars in money, all of which were taken out of the safe, upon opening it, in just as good condition as when they were put in, with the exception of the covers of the books, which were curled by the s learn. VANDERVOORT & SNYDER. FIRE IN BEVERLY. Beverly, March 15, 1861. Messrs. Kami, Berring & Co., Philadelphia, Pa.: Gentlemen — On the 7th inst. my three-story brick factory, together with its con- tents, was completely destroyed by tire. Fortunately 1 had my books and papers in one of your Herring's Patent Champion Safes, and I deem it but just to you to say that, to my surprise (judging from the intense heat, which showed its effects to a marked degree on the outside of the safe), everything came out in a perfect state of preserv ition not a scrap of writing being destroyed. The safe was so situated as to expose it to tin' hottest kind of a test, it being red hot for a longtime. I shall want another safe, and, of course, after this 1 can trust no other but one of this kind. J. L. PI! AIT, Proprietor Beverly Cutlery Works. HENRY l'.AITOE, Superintendent. We, the undersigned, cheerfully give our testimony of the truth of the above statement, having witnessed the exposed situation of the safe during the fire, and Subsequent opening of the same. C. J. EARBRICK. W. II. MAKEPEACE. C. W. HOWARD. .1. W. STOCKTON. J. C. SKIPPER. THE GREAT FIRE IN NEW BRUNSWICK. New Bri nswick, N. J., January 18, 1862. Messrs Herring & Co., No. 251 Broadway, N. Y. : Gentlemen — At the recent extensive fire in our city, on Wednesday morning last, 15th instant, 1 was the fortunate owner of one of your Herring's Patent Cham- pion Safes, which contained some books and a number of valuable papers. The heat in my store was very great, and the safe in the hottest part of it. i felt great interest in the safety of my papers, as a numbei' of eastings in my store, and within a few feet of the safe were melted: nothing, indeed, was saved in my building except the contents of your sab', which, 1 am happy to inform you, was completely preserved after a thorough roasting for some seventeen hours. The result has ex- ceeded my anticipation and fully confirmed my confidence in the security of }'our Herring's Patent Safe. Please send me another of larger size, and refer all incredu- lous to my books and papers, which it gives me great pleasure to show. Yours, &c, W. H. ARMSTRONG. Plate No. 21. No. 4'/2-Folding Door, Banker's Chest, half Size. r mm 1 ~~FP<%11 Banker's Chest. i • .1. \ 20 in. high* ) 56 in. nigh, | Jd 0uts ide. 38 in. wide, V Inside. 19 "»• W1 ' ■ ™ \ 18 in. deep, J 18 in. deep, 1 herring's fire-proof safes. 73 WASHINGTON, r>. O. FIEE IN WASHINGTON CITY. Washington, D. C, May 28, 1860. Messrs. Parrel, Herring & Co. : On the 19th instant our planing-mill was totally destroyed by fire. We had one of your Patent Champion Safes, which we endeavored to rescue from the flames, hut only succeeded in getting it in a position where the wind blew the flames directly on it. Yet, the books and papers entrusted to its keeping were found to be saved, although the fire was the hottest we have ever had in this place. We have no confidence in any other safes, and wish you to send us one of your make and a size larger. Yours truly, TRUMAN & DRAPER. DESRUCTTVE FIRE IN WASHINGTON CITY. Washington, September 16, 1865. Gentlemen— The Herring Safe used in the office of our warehouses, destroyed by the disastrous fire of the night of the 8th instant, was subjected to as intense a heat as probably any safe will ever be subjected to in any fire — so intense that the brass knob and mountings of the exterior of the same were melted off, and the whole surface scaled and blistered as if it had been in a furnace ; and yet, when opened, the contents — books and papers— were found to be entire and uninjured. This safe is now on exhibition in our warehouse on Seventh street, with the books and papers still remaining in it, just as it was when taken from the ruins. Merchants, hankers, and others interested in the protection of their books and papers are invited to call and examine it. J. P. BARTHOLOW, Agent for Herring's Safes, No. 558 Seventh street, Washington, D. C. VIRGINIA. FIRE AT RICHMOND. Richmond, Va., November 2, 1859. Messrs Knowles & Walford, Agents : We take pleasure in adding to your long list of certificates our testimonials in favor of Herring's Patent Fire-proof Safes. In the fire which consumed our Steam-sawing and Carpenter Shops on the night of the 29th of October last, we had one of Herring's Safes, and though exposed to intense heat (it was entirely red-hot on the out-side), from the burning floors and timbers which fell on it, on opening, the next day, we found no appearance to indi- cate that its contents had been near fire. We shall order another from you in a few days, and use the old one at our saw- ing mill, near Mayo's Bridge, where you may refer customers who have any doubt about the fire-proof qualities of Herring's Safes. JOHN & GEORGE GIBSON. 6 74 herring's fire-proof safes. ANOTHER FIRE AT RICHMOND. Richmond, Va., Aug. 6, 1800. Messrs. Knowles & Walford, Agents: Gentlemfn — Allow us to add our testimony to the safety of Herring's Patent Fire-proof Safes. At the fire on the morning of the 4th, in which our factory and foundry, with contents, were a total loss, thanks to a Herring's Safe, our books came out as good as new, although the safe was subject to a red heat. Respectfully yours, LOWNES & COOK. BURNING AND EVACUATION OF RICHMOND, APRIL 3, 1865. NUMBER ONE. Richmond, Va., May 15, 18G5. Messrs. Herring & Co., New York : Gentlemen — The Herring's Patent Champion Safe which we purchased from you in the month of April, 1860, passed safely through the late terrible conflagration in this city, which destroyed over one thousan 1 buildings, on the 3d of April last, upon its evacuation. Our store was situated on Thirteenth street, and in the center of a vast field of conflagration. The safe wasenveloped by flames and buried by the ruins. Our store was filled with groceries, tobacco, &C, while in the second story, immediately over the safe, were 200 bushels of rectified charcoal, making the heat so intense that when we attempted to get at the safe, two days after the lire, our workmen were compelled to desist. We finally got at the safe on the fourth day after the burning, and. when opened, we are happy to testify that your safe proved itself a " fire-proof " indeed. Our books, papers, money, an*! entire contents were all right, and to our perfect satis- faction. We would inquire it the old safe is of any use to you, and how we can exchange for a new one. From our experience here, we would trust none but Her- ring's Champion. WM. WALLACE'S SONS. NUMBER TWO. Richmond, Va., June 22, 1865. Messrs. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen— The building in which I had an office was totally destroyed by the terrible conflagration of the 3d of April last. Fortunately, I ha 1 one of your Her- ring's Patent Champion Safes in use. which entirely preserved my books, papers, &c. ; every line is legible. The only injury is in the covers of the books being drawn by the steam. Very truly yours, S. P. LATHROP. NUMBER THREE. Richmond, Va., June 21, 1865. Messrs. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen — In reply to your inquiry as to how an iron safe of your make which I used stood the test of the great fire which occurred here in April last, I have to say that I opened it about ten days after the fire aud found the contents in a com- paratively good condition, the bindings of the books only being slightly injured. The papers and paper money which it contained are entirely uninjured. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN I. PAGE, Jr. Plate No. 22. No. 5— Folding Door, with Banker's Chest. [•'«., I-I i; R R l,|M C F.AHRhJl'ift: SHt'RIVIftW iit,.,i 56 In. high, , 44 in. wide, [- Inside. 18 in. deep, > Banker's Chest. 20 in. high, i 44 in. wide, j- Outside. IS in deep, J IQ herring's fire-proof safes. 75 NUMBER FOUR. Richmond, June 5, 1865. Messrs. Herring & Co. , New York : Gentlemen — We are happy to inform you that the contents of our safe, one of your manufacture, were very little injured by the great fire of 3d of April. The Burglar-proof in the bottom of the sife (inside) is also in good order, and was unlocked and locked with ease. Very respectfully, R. H. MAURY. NUMBER FIVE. Richmond, Va. , May 30, 1865. Messrs. Herring & Co., New York : Gentlemen— I am pleased to testify to the superior quality of your "Fire-proof Safe." I was one of the sufferers by the recent conflagration in this city. My safe I bought some years ago stood the test on the memorable 3d of April last. After it had been encased in the ruins of my store for perhaps three weeks after the fne I opened it, through curiosity, not expecting to find the contents preserved ; but, to my great gratification, everything was in a perfect state of preservation except the backs of my ledgers and journals, which were charred. If anybody wants to make a "safe" investment I would recommend him to patronizi your concern. I am, very respectfully, GEO. L. BIDGOOD, Bookseller atid Stationer, Richmond, Va. NUMBER SIX. Richmond, Va., June 22, 18G5. Messrs. Farrell & Co., Philadelphia : Gentlemen — The tremendous conflagration of April 3 in this city, at the time of the evacuation, completely destroyed my store. Your Herring's Patent Cham- pion Safe which I had in use preserved its contents uninjured after being subjected to one of the most intense fires which ever took place in any country. Yours truly, GEO. RUSKELL, No. 91 Main Street. NUMBER SEVEN. Richmond, June 9, 1865. Messrs. Herring & Co., New York : I hereby certify that, on opening the Herring Safe in my office, corner of Bank and Eleventh streets in this city, after it had been buried for three days in the ruins of the late confl igration, the books and papers therein were safe. Yours, &c, JAS. M. TAYLOR. NUMBERS EIGHT AND NINE. Richmond, Va., June 21, 1865. Messrs. Herring & Co., New York : Gentlemen — In the conflagration which devastated the business portion of our city on the 3d of April last, our storehouse was destroyed. 70 herring's fire-proof safes. Our books and papers were contained in two of your iron safes. They remained buried in the debris of the building for six weeks, and were subjected during the fire to a very great heat, owing t<> the combustible nature of some of our goods mils and turpentine), us well as the large size of the house and quantity of material burned. When opened the contents of the large safe, though injured, were in a great measure well preserved. In the other some papers were lost, but the majority of tl e contents saved. The vault inside the large safe proved an entire protector. Very respectfully, PURCELL, LADD & CO. NUMBER TEN. Richmond, July 3, 1865. Messrs. Herring & Co.: Gentlemen — We had the misfortune to be among the many sufferers in the im- conflagration which swept away a, large portion of the business houses of this once prosperous city. We were the fortunate possessors of one of your Paten! Champion Safes, which preserved our hooks ami papers in excellent condition. al- though subjected to a severe test. This safe has done us good service and deserves Lie: praise. * Respectfully yours, ALVEY & LIPSCOMB. NUMBER ELEVEN. Richmond, Va., July 3, 18G5. Messrs. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen- - We take pleasure in informing you that one of your Patent Cham- pion Fire-proof Safes wis the means of saving our hooks, papers. &c., at the tre- mendous lire which took place here at the time of the evacuation of this city on the 3d of April last. The building in which we had our office was a large one. sur- rounded by some of the lamest storehouses in the city which were filled witli all kinds of combustible material, making the heat intense. The safe remained in the ruins about one week before it w IS opened. X,, water was thrown on the ruins at the time of or after the fire. When the magnitude of the fire is taken into con- si leration — over one thousand buildings having been destroyed with large stocks of goods in them, no means of moving safes from the ruins being at hand— it is in- deed wonderful that any safe preserved its contents. Your safe has stood this severe test nobly, and we wish to give it the credit to which it is entitled. Respectfully yours, DAVID & WILLIAM CURRIE. NUMBER TWELVE. Richmond, Va., July 7, 18G5. >i">sr<. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen— The great fire of April 3 destroyed the building in which I had my office. [ was using one of your Patent Champion Safes, which preserved its e,.n- t> nts in good condition, although subjected to a roasting which safes seldom receive in any fire, on account of the number of buildings and large quantities of combustible materia] stored in them No water was thrown on the building or ruins, making the ordeal the more se\ ere for the safe. It has sustained its hereto- fore well-earned reputation, and 1 take pleasure in adding my experience to those tested in other places. Truly vours, EUGENE CARRINGTON. Plate No. 23. No. 5— Folding Door, with Two Banker's Chests. ■prr- ■''rrTi:i ; :" i iiii:| ! ||i|ii|iiii[jjijj||||iii||!i||»irT"'!- :'" '"''l+'iftlHIl ll iii'' ul """Ni. ll >n I 1 ! ERRING [-ARkLL&S'HERMAM iii^ ■ Outside. 18 in. deep, ) 18 in. deep, J Divided in the centre, making two complete Banker's Chests. hekking's fiee-proof safes. 17 NUMBER THIRTEEN. Richmond, Va. , July 7, 1865. Messrs. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen — One of your Fire-proof Safes belonging to me was severely tested by _ the terrific conflagration of April 3. It contained my books, papers, &c. . which were preserved in excellent condition ; every line and word is legible. The heat of this fire probably was unparalleled in the world. Not a piece of wood was to be found in the ruins ; even the ashes were totally burned up ; in fact, safes were subjected to a furnace heat, as no water was thrown on the ruins. My safe re- mained buried in the ruins for about twenty-three days before opened. Very respectfully, W. F. PRICE. NUMBER FOURTEEN. Richmond, Va., July 10, 1865. Messrs. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen — You, of course, are aware of the immense destruction of buildings and property by fire on the memorable 30th of April last, when this city was evacu- ated. We were unfortunately among the sufferers. The building in which we carried on business is totally destroyed. Nothing remains but bricks; not a picee of wood is to be found on the premises, so clean did the Are burn. We had one of your Patent Champion Safes in use, which was the means of saving our books, papers, and money. You can judge of the heat to which this safe was subjected when we inform you that we did not dig it out of the ruins for six weeks after the fire, at which time it was still hot. You can make whatever use of this letter yon please, believing that a safe which proved itself fire-proof in this terrible fire should have that credit to which it is fairly entitled. Respectfully yours, WILLIAM EUE;ER & BRO. NUMBER FIFTEEN. 4 Richmond, Va., July 11, 1865. Messrs. Herring & Co., New York : Dear Sirs — In compliance with your request we send you the following regard- ing the condition of one of your Herring's Patent Safes which was in our warehouse at the time of the great fire here. Our building was very large— say ninety feet square — built of brick, five stories in height, and was well filled with manufactured tobacco — say about tour thousand boxes — all of which was burned to complete ashes, producing a very intense heat. Our safe had fallen one story and remained in an upright position. In consequence of the .excessive heat produced by the burning' tobacco we could not get to it for four days. When we did reach it we found the safe had been broken into and robbed of its contents after the fire. We had already taken the precaution to remove our most important books. We found some unimportant books, which had been thrown about by the robbers, the covers of which were dam- aged, but the contents were perfectly legible. We also saw some old checks which were scattered around that were perfect. The book-case was in perfect order, the varnish being uninjured. We feel sure that the heat in our building was certainly as great as in any other house, hundreds of kegs of nails having melted into a solid mass. The sale itself showed similar marks of the great heat, one of the handles being literally melted, and we are convinced that no other safe, when subjected to an equal test, huxs turned out in equally good order. Yours respectfully, HARVEY, JAMES & WILLIAMS. 7S HERRING S FIRE-PROOF SAFES. NUMBER SIXTEEN. Richmond, Va., July 12, 1865. Messrs. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen— The safe of your manufacture belonging to Messrs. Hitchcock & Osborn which was in our store at the time of the terrible conflagration of the 3d of April, and was not opened until Saturday, the 8th, preserved its contents in good condition ; not only the books, but the loose papers, were all legible. Respectfully yours, KNOWLES & WALFORD. NUMBER SEVENTEEN. , Richmond, Va., July 17, 1865. Messrs. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen -The Herring's Patent Champion Safe 1 had in use passed through the disastrous conflagration of April 3d, on the evacuationof this city, and was not opened until last Friday (July 14th). I am pleased to infirm you that its contents were well preserved; everything is legible, which is truly wonderful, considering vere test this safe was subjected to. This fire probably has no parallel for its tremendous heat in the history of such disasters. Respectfully yours, THOS. C. C. DREWRY. NUMBER EIGHTEEN. Richmond, Va., Aug. 21, 1865. Messrs. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen— We had one of your safes in the destructive tire of April 3, when the evacuation of this city took place. We had it dug out of the ruins three weeks after the tire. On opening it, our principal books were found in a legible condition. Respectfully yours, POWELL & VALENTINE. NUMBER NINETEEN. Richmond, Va., Aug. 21. 1865. Messrs. Herring & Co.: Gentlemen Being one of the sufferers by the great fire of April 3, 1 desire to give you a statement in regard to the Herring's Patent Champion Safe I had in use in my jewelry business. After removing it from the ruins (being one week after the fire), we found the contents— consisting of jeweliy, books, and papers in mj safe all right. This fire was one of the severest test- that was ever known. Respectfully yours, B. HEINRICH. NUMBER TWENTY. Richmond, Va., Aug. 21, 1865. Messrs. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen— The papers and valuables in my iron safe of Herring & Co.'s man- ufacture were not materially injured, though the lire around it was intense, on the :'d of April last, which destroyed so large a p irtion of the city. My safe was exposed to as "intense a heat and r.s severe a test as any other in the city. Truly yours, S. C. ROBINSON. herring's fire-proof safes. *79 NUMBER TWENTY-ONE. Richmond, Va., Aug. 22, 18G5. Messrs. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen — The great fire of April 3, which occurred when this city was evacuated, destroyed our warehouse in which we had our office. We had in use one of your Patent Champion Safes, the safe being exposed. The building was a large one, and was completely gutted by the fire. The heat was severe. The safe contained our books and papers, which were preserved in a partially dam- aged condition, the covers of the books being melted by the steam. Respectfully yours, DUNLOP, MONCURE & CO. NUMBER TWENTY-TWO. Richmond, Va., Aug. 23, 1805. Messrs. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen — The James River Manufacturing Company had one of your safes in use at the time of the great fire, which occurred April 3, when the city was evacu- ated. The books and papers which it contained were all preserved in good con- dition, the only injury being to the covers of the books being melted by steam. S une jf them have been rebound and are now in use. Respectfully yours, C. B. BENTLEY, Agent. NUMBER TWENTY-THREE. Richmond, Va., Aug. 23, 18G5. Messrs. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen — The Herring's Patent Champion Safe we had in use in our store when the great fire of April 3 occurred, although remaining in the ruins three weeks, when opened the books and papers were in excellent condition, no sign of fire about them. When a safe preserves its contents in such an immense fire as this one was, it is, indeed, wonderful, and is entitled to be called fire-proof. Respectfully yours, CHARLES SCHUMANN & BRO. GREAT FIRE AT PETERSBURG. Petersburg, Va., March 13, 1854.. In the fire which destroyed our store and entire stock of goods on the night of the 3d of February last was one of Silas C. Herring's Safes, with Hall's Burglar-proof Lock, containing our books, papers, and a considerable amount in bank-notes and checks. Owing to the intense heat to which the safe was exposed the brass knob which unlocks the door was melted off, and it could not be opened with the key, and had, therefore, to be forced open, which operation was effected with considerable difficulty. On obtaining an entrance to the safe, the entire contents were found secure and uninjured by fire. MORRISON & MARABLE. 80 herring's fire-proof safes. ANOTHER GREAT FIRE AT PETERSBURG. Petersburg, Va., May 21, 1855. Messrs. S. C. Herring & Co. : Messrs. Falconer, Plummer & Co., in whose store the fire originated, had one of your Champion Safes, containing their books, papers, and six hundred dollars in bank-notes, which was in the hottest of the fire about twelve hours, and the con- tents were perfectly preserved to their entire satisfaction, as well as of the com- munity at large ; and not a doubt now rests on the minds of any who saw the con- tents after the fire of the capability of your unrivaled safe to resist the most intense heat for almost an indefinite period of time. Yours truly, WATKINS, SON & CO. GREAT FIRE AT LYNCHBURG. Lynchburg, Va., Jan. 6, 1855. Mr. S. C. Herring : Dear Sir— Early this morning our city was visited by a large and destructive fire, eight or ten buildings being consumed. The occupant of one of them was fortunately provided with one of " Herring's Fire-proof Safes," which to-day has been taken from the ruins, and after giving it a little time to " cool off" was opened, and the books and papers found safe and in good order. This is the first test applied to your safes here, and it is considered perfectly satisfactory. Yours truly, J. H. THOMPSON & CO. ANOTHER GREAT FIRE. FIRE IN LYNCHBURG. Lynchburg, Va., August 29, 1865. Messrs. Herring & Co. : The most extensive and destructive fire that ever occurred in our city took place on Tuesday night, 2-3th inst. Four large grocery and commission houses, with their valuable contents, were entirely destroyed. I take pleasure in informing you that your Herring's Patent Champion Safe has again stood the test and came out more than triumphant. After unlocking my safe and taking out a few of my books and papers, I was so closely pressed by heat, smoke, and falling bricks that I was not able to empty the safe ; it fell into the cellar, and, alter remaining there four days among the burning remains of fifteen hundred boxes of tobacco, it was opened to-day. "With the exception of slight injury to the books and papers, which did not render them illegible or valueless, the contents of the drawers, consisting of money and other valuables, were entirely uninjured. I do not recollect of an in- stance where a safe subjected to such intense heat for so long a time preserved its contents so perfectly. Yours truly, GEORGE STEPTOE. ANOTHER IN SAME FIRE. Lynchrurg, Va., August SO, 1865. Messrs. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen — Your Herring's Patent Champion Safe preserved the papers left in our safe when our store was destroyed by the rece.it great fire, which was the largest that ever took place in our city. Truly yours, H. H. ROSE & CO. Plate No. 24. No. 6--Folding Door, with Banker's Chest. Banker's Chest. 64 In. high, \ 20 in. high, \ 51 in. wide, \ Inside. 51 in. wide, V Outside. 19 In. deep, ) 19 In. deep, ) herring's fire-proof safes. 81 FIRE AT NORFOLK. Norfolk, Va., January 17, 1856. By request of Messrs. Rowland & Brothers we this day attended the opening of one of Herring's Fire-proof Safes, which was in the tire of December 7. belonging to Messrs. Adams a: Co.'s Express, and found the papers and contents in a perfect state of preservation. It was, in our opinion, as severe a test as could he had. A large four-story building was entirely destroyed, and the safe remained the whole time surrounded by fire and subject to an intense heat for forty days before being dug from the ruins. Signed, GEO. F. ANDERSON. C. HALL. WM. D. REYNOLDS. A. B. McLEAN. WILES DAVIS. W. W. JACOBS. I am fully satisfied with the manner in which the above safe preserved its con- tents. A. A. COWDRY, Agent Adams & Co.'s Express. ANOTHER EXTENSIVE FIRE IN NORFOLK. Norfolk, Va., August 14, 1866. Messrs. Herring & Co. , New York city : Gentlemen — About two months since a fire broke out in a large frame building of which nearly every part was of North Carolina pitch-pine, or light wood. My safe — one of your make — was in one corner of the building, and, unfortunately, the hook company, in pulling the timbers down, pulled all the heavy upper timbers immediately over the safe. In this way it was, with heavy timbers above and below, in a cherry -red heat for about twenty hours. In fact, so great was the heat that every particle of brass melted from it. " When it was taken out I feared the opening, as in it were papers of some forty or fifty thousand dollars value, besides many private papers of value ; but I was agreeably surprised to find them all entire. The books were injured in the binding, and the veneering of the safe on the inside warped. I have sent it to you with the hope that you will put it in order for me at as moderate a charge as you can, or exchange it for me. Please let me hear from you on receipt of this. Yours very respectfully, V*. W. PIERCE, 303 Post-office, Norfolk, Va. FIRE IN BOTETOURT COUNTY. Juxctiok Store, Botetourt Co., Va., April 20, 1855. Messrs. Knowles & Walford : Our frame storehouse and stock of goods at this place were totally destroyed by fire on Monday night, the 2ijth of February last. In the fire was one of Silas C. Herrings Sites, weighing 1,340 pounds net, and it contained our valuable books and papers, and the books, notes, and funds of the Clinton Savings Bank, in all amounting to a very large sum. Also, there was one pound of powder tied up in a piece of paper, which one of our young men had placed in the safe and neglected to remove. The safe was in the hottest part of the fire about six hours, and was red hot One of the feet or rollers was considerably damaged by the fire, and the back and one side are a little sprung. After the safe had become quite cool on the outside it 82 herring's fire-proof safes. was opened, and its contents, though warm, were in perfect good order and con- dition. We now have the books in regular use, and they are not in the least drawn or warped. We would not now be afraid to risk the safe in any fire produced by the burning of a house. JONES & MAYS. I was present when the Junction Store was destroyed by fire, and also opened the safe with the key, and do hereby certify th.it the above statement made by Messrs. Jones & M tys is true and correct in every particular. WM. B. CARPER. NORTH CAROLINA. FIRE AT GREENVILLE. Greenville, Pitt Co., October 25, 1858. S. C. Herring & Co. : Our County Court-house was destroyed by fire on the night of January 9, 1857. All the books and papers of the County Clerk's Office were totally destroyed. At that time I was Sheriff of the county, and had one of your Fire-proof S ifes, which contained my valuable papers and" money, in the second story of the building, which fell with the burning ruins, and was subjected to an intense heat. On open- ing its contents were uninjured. Our county would not have met with any loss had they had the same security. Yours respectfully, A.BRAM COX. FIRE AT MAGNOLIA. Magnolia, X. C, August 1, 1859. Messrs. S. C. Herring &Co. : Gentlemen— On the 5th of Much last our storehouse was destroyed by fire, and one of your Herring's Sites was in the ruins twelve hours, in a most intense heat. On opening it, we found the contents perfectly safe, and wish you to send us an- other of lamer size, for we would not be without one of your safes, and consider them superior to any other. Yours truly, MERRIMAN & NEWBURY. GREAT FIRE AT LOTJISBURG. Louisburg, N. C, January 9, 1861. Farrel, Herring & Co., Philadelphia, Pa.: Gentlemen— On the night of the 20th December, 1860, a fire occurred in our town, destroying the whole business portion of the place, except two stores. AVe had one of your Patent Champion Safes, purchased about one year ago. which con- tained all the books and papers belonging to the firm : also the private papers and notes of our Mr. Ballard. From the position in which the sate stood during the fire it was subjected to an immense amount of bent, lusting several hours ; and, al- though it was supposed by many ni our citizens that the contents were destroyed, everything came out satisfactory, the binding on the books being the only part affected. We have ordered another from your agent. B. T. BALLARD & CO. herring's fire-proof safes. 83 Louisburg, N. C, January 12, 1861. Messrs. Herring & Co. : A large fire occurred in this town on the night of the 28th December, 1860. My office was on the second floor of a large wooden two-story building. I had in my office a safe of your make, which fell with the building, and remained exposed to all the fire. The heat melted off the brass knobs and plates. I had removed my papers, but left one accidentally, which I found in a perfect state of preservation. I am perfectly satisfied that it would have preserved my papers, as the wood framing inside the safe was uninjured, except by stain (by the glue and steam, I presumed). I am sure the safe" was all that it was represented to he. Respectfully yours, J. J. DAVIS. FIRE AT NEWBERN. Newbern, N. C, January 29, 1861. Messrs. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen— Your letter of the 24th inst. is at hand, and in reply would inform you that the safe we purchased of Messrs. Farrel, Herring & Co., of Philadelphia, has given entire satisfaction, and we would take pleasure in recommending them to all who want protection from fire for books and valuables. The safe was red-hot when taken from the ruins, and after cooling some time we discovered smoke com- ing out of the safe, and were fearful that our books and papers were on fire, and consequently went to work to ascertain if such was the case, but were highly gratified to learn that all our books, money, &c, were safe. We wish to know if you will exchange with us, and, if so, what you will allow us for the one taken from the ruins. We are very much in want of a safe, but do not feel able to pur- chase one at present. Yours respectfully, C A. HART BROS. & CO. P. S. — We have a photograph of the ruins that shows the safe as it was opened, and, if you wish, will send you one. SOUTH CAROLINA. GREAT FIRE AT CHERAW, MAY, 1852. Cheraw, S. C, May 26, 1852. John Farrel, Esq., 34 Walnut street, Philadelphia : Dear Sir — Yours of the 21st inst. is at hand. The telegraph reported me as burned out, but I fortunately escaped. Mr. W. L. J. Reid had one of Herring's Safes in his stoi'e ; the safe was of small size, about 700 lbs. ; the store was of pitch-pine ; I stood by and saw the safe taken from the ruins ; the safe was opened by the key with as much ease as if it had not been exposed to the fire. It contained Mr. Reid's books and papers and about $200 in bank bills ; everything was in good order, except the binding of the books, which was injured somewhat, I think, by water poured upon the safe to cool it. I have one of Herring's Safes in my store, for which I paid $150 ; I would not take $1,000 dollars to be without it. I have full confidence, in their being an entire protection against fire. Several of our merchants lost their books, but none having the Salamander Safe. Respectfully yours, D. MALLOY. 84 herring's fire-proof safes. THE SAME SAFE IN ANOTHER FIRE. Cheraw, S. C, Friday, Sept. 1, 1854. Mr. Silas C. Herring, No. 135 Water street, New York: Dear Sir — On the 18th of March last my store was again destroyed by fire, and again your safe preserved my books and papers without damage, save the leather binding a little stained. Please send me another of your safes as soon as possible. Send me about No. 7, Herring's Patent. I have full confidence in your safes after two trials, and want no other. Yours respectfully, W. L. J. REID. HAYNES STREET FIRE, CHARLESTON. Charleston, S. C, May, 185-4. To S. C. Herring, Esq., New York : Dear Sir The " Salamander Safe " which we procured of you was in our store, No. 29 Haynes street, at the time of its destruction by fire on the 18th of April last. The entire building, together with seven others in the same block, was destroyed. This saf< ■ w as 1 mried among the ruins f< >r several days, when it was dinj out, and, very much to our surprise, from the combustible nature of our business (wholesale drugs and medicines), on opening it, found its contents to be in perfect order; and from this we are satisfied that your safes are entitled to public confidence. You will please ship us another of the same size at once, and oblige Very respectfully yours, P.M. COHEN & CO., Importers of Drugs and Medicines, 29 Ilaynes street. THE GREAT FIRE AT NEWBERRY, JUNE 18, 18G6. Newberry, S. C, September, 1866. Messrs. Herring, Farrel & Sharrnan, 251 Broadway, New York: Ge.\tlemex — In the great fire at this place on the 18th of June last our store, with many others, was entirely destroyed. The Herring's Safe purchased from your house some years ago was in the fire and had a very severe roasting, as sev- eral thousand pounds of bacoo were burned near it. The safe remained in the burn- ing embers for two days before it was taken out and opened. The safe was filled with our books, papers, &c., and had carried them safely through the conflagration. Everything came out nicely and in an unexpected state of preservation. Nothing was injured. Truly yours, LOVELACE & WHEELER. FIRE AT NEWBERRY. Newberry, S. C, September, 1866. Messrs. Farrel, Herring & Co. : Gentlemen— We can testify with pleasure, in reply to your inquiries, that your safe faithfully performed its duty in the severe trial to which it was put during the great fire in this place on the 18th of June last. Our building was large and burned with great heat. The safe was taken from the burning pile on the second day, and its contents were perfectly sound. This safe of your manufacture was purchased some seven or eight years since, and has not only proven its genuine quality as a fire-proof, but has also shown that age does not depreciate it. Respectfully yours, MARSHALL & BRO. Plate No. 25. No. 6— Folding Door, with Banker's Chest in centre. K# V, :,<:<. V.X. Banker's Chest. 64 in. liigli, , 20 iu. high, \ 51 iu. wide, - Inside. 24 in. wide, [- Outside. 19 in. deep, \ 19 i n . deep, ) HERRING S FIRE-PROOF SAFES. 85 GREAT FIRE AT ABBEVILLE. Abbeville, S. C, August 21, 1858. Messrs. Farrel, Herring & Co., Philadelphia: Gentlemen — The clcse attention -which our affairs have required since the fire has hitherto prevented us from writing you about the safe. On the occasion of the fire. 19th July, by which we suffered a large loss, our store, with a number of other buildings, was consumed. The Herring's Patent Safe manufactured by you, which we had in the store, was exposed to a most intense heat, as is well attested by the effects on its strong iron frame, which, from its flaked and scaly appearance, looks as though it had been heated for a long time in a furnace. The safe, with heaps of molten glass and kegs of nails fused into a mass, fell into the cellar, sur- rounded by burning materials, and there was suffered to remain (as the contents had been removed before the fire reached us) until the 2d August— fourteen days afterward. The difficulty in cutting it open with the best tools that could be procured convinced us of its power to resist the attempts of burglars, and when it was opened, we found the interior, to the astonishment of all, entirely uninjured by fire. This test has so fully convinced us of the capabilities of your safes that we would not part with the one we have in use for a large sum, were we debarred the privilege of getting another. Respectfully yours, R. H. WARDLAW& SON. FIRE AT UNIONYILLE. Unionville, S. C, October 12, 1860. Messrs. Farrel, Herring & Co., Philadelphia : Gentlemen — On the morning of the 11th of July last a tremendous fire occurred here, destroying an immense amount of property. I had one of your Patent SalVs in use in my store, and had removed it to the middle of the street, which is very narrow. The buildings on both sides of the street, extending two squares, were burned to the ground, which created an intense heat, so much so that the safe he- came red-hot. It contained my hooks and papers, amounting to twelve thousand dollars, and five thousand dollars in bank-bills, which were found, on opening the safe, to be in as good a state of preservation as when put into it. Yours truly, THOMAS McNALLY. GREAT FIRE IN DARLINGTON. Office of the " Southerner," ^ Darlington, S. C, September 20, 1866. [ Messrs. Herring, Farrel & Sherman, New York city : Gentlemen — Your favor of the 20th ultimo inquiring how the Herring's Patent Safes stood the test in the fire at this place last March is at hand. I reply as follows : I had all of my papers, looks., money, and other valuables in one of your safes, and received them after the building burned down in excellent order. The safe was subjected to a great trial, having no protection of brick around it. It was a large building made of our pitch-pine timber, and resisted the intense heat well and satisfactorily. Respectfully, J. M. BROWN. Proprietor of the ' ' Southerner. ' ' 86 herring's fire-proof safes. THE BURNING OF COLUMBIA. Columbia, S. C, August 19, 1865. Messrs. Herring & Co., New York : Gentlemen— The Herring's Patent Safe that the firm of Falls & Kinard bought of you in 1856 was in use by me at the time that Sherman's army entered this place. My store, with many others, was entirely destroyed by fire. The safe was in the hottest of the fire ; but all my books, papers, &c, which were left in the safe, were well preserved. When I get started again in business I shall want another, as this fire has demonstrated that they are fire-proof. Yours respectfully, J. H. KINARD. Formerly Falls & Kinard. GrEORGIA. FIRE AT ATLANTA. Atlanta, Ga., November 15, 1855. S. C. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen — Permit me to inform you that on Sunday night, the 7th of January last, my three-story brick building, used as an auction and commission house, on Alabama street, was set on fire by an incendiary and was consumed in a few hours, in which was one of your small safes, measuring '!'■', by 19 inches, containing a small case of notes, twelve or fifteen bank-bills, and a handful of gold and silver coin in an earthen bowl ; all preserved perfectly sound and whole, the bills not even scorched, but very damp. The site being on the second floor and falling into the basement on a pile of green oak wood, remained there until the whole of the wood, as well as that of the building, was consumed ; it was perfectly red-hat. At length, by my consent, the captain of the lire company cooled it oil' and rolled it out. Its contents were then examined ami resulted as above stated. The above statement can be substantiated by five hundred persons if necessary. You are at liberty to use the above in any way you may think proper. STEPHEN J. SHACKELFORD. THE GREAT FIRE AT ATLANTA. Atlanta, Ga., November 23, 1859. S. C. Herring & Co., No. 251 Broadway, New York : Gentlemen — The small safe which I purchased of you some time since was in my large two-story wooden building, which was burned at the great fire hereoa the 16th instant. The safe was red-hot, and on opening it the next morning I found its con- tents, which consisted of silver, two hundred dollars in bank-bills, with other pa- pers, all safe and sound. J. S. SHACKLEFORD, Auctioneer. ANOTHER. Atlanta, Ga., December 2, 1859. S. C. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen — I had one of your safes in the late disastrous fire which occurred here on the 16th ultimo. My books and papers, also some ninety watches and herring':? fire-proof safes. 8V watch materials, were in the safe, and although the safe was under an intense heat for a long time, upon getting it open I found everything saved to my entire satis- faction. I can, therefore, readily testify to the perfect fire-proof quality of Herring's Patent Safe, and it is with much pleasure I give you these facts. Tours respectfully, RILEY S. BAKER. AND ANOTHER. Atlanta, Ga., December 10, 1859. S. C. Herring & Co. : This is to certify that I have owned and used one of Herring's Patent Fire-Proof Safes for some time, and at the late destructive and extensive fire in the city of Atlanta, on the night of November 16, 1859, the safe had valuable papers in it. It was in my law office, on the second floor, in Mr. Markham's large three-story brick building, and during the fire and burning of said building the safe fell into the cel- lar, and there remained imbedded in the midst of the hot ruins for eighteen days ami nights. It was then taken out, and when opened (although the safe, in its present injured condition outside, was unfit for further use) the papers were all safe. This severe test convinces me that it is decidedly best to have " Herring's Pat- ent Fire-proof Safes " for the protection of papers against fire. JARED IRWIN WHITAKER. AND ANOTHER. Atlanta., Ga., December 15, 1859. Messrs. Farrel, Herring & Co., Philadelphia : Gentlemen — In the late disastrous fire I had some two hundred dollars in one of Herring's Patent Safes, and after the fire, when the safe was taken from Ihe ruins and opened, to my m st complete satisfaction not a dollar was injured. I feel com- pletely satisfied that the genuine Herring's Patent Safes are perfectly fire-proof ; for any safe that could stand the heat this one did, lying among burning spirits, liquors, oils, &c, for hours, must unquestionably be the most perfect protection against fire ever manufactured. I 'make this statement most cheerfully, and remain, Yours truly, J. A. GIBSON. STILL ANOTHER. Messrs. S. C. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen — The Herring's Patent Champion Safe I bought of you about one month ago was in the fire on the night of the Kith instant, in a large two-story wooden building, and on opening it I found the books and papers all right. I have since bought another of your agents, W\ Herring & Son. ■ Respectfully yours, F. H. COLEMAN. FIRE AT AMERICUS. Americus, Ga., May, 1857. Messrs. S. C. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen— It gives me pleasure to inform you that the safe which I purchased of you last September has proved what you represented to me when I bought it — 88 HERRING S FIRE-PROOF SAFES. perfectly fire-proof. The safe was exposed to all the heat made by the destruction of my warehouse by fire on the night of the 12th inst., and wben recovered from the burning ruins and opened I found all my books, papers, and about seven hun- dred dollars in bank-bills, in good condition ; the only damage done to my books- was in the binding, which was curled by the steam. C. C. GREENE. ANOTHER FIRE AT AMERICUS. Savannah, Ga. , June 6, 1860. Messrs. Herring & Co., Manufacturers of Herring's Patent Champion Safes, New York: Gentlemen — The banking office of the Bank of Savannah, at Americus, Ga., was destroyed by five on the 12th day of May, 1857. In this office wis cue of Herring's Champion Safes, containing money, books, ami valuable papers. The safe, though severely tested, preserved its contents, to our great satisfaction, entirely uninjured. Way respectfully yours, G. C. CARMICHAEL. GREAT FIRE AT MARIETTA. Philadelphia, June 2, 1857. Messrs. Farrel & Herring, 34 Walnut street : Gentlemen — In answer to your inquiry about your Herring's Patent Safe, pur- chased by Mr Edward Denmead, of Marietta, (la., I would state that I was at that place on the night of the great lire. April 1 1th last, which destroyed most of the business part of the town, and had deposited some papers and property of my own in Mr. Denmead's safe before the fire took place. The fiie was very destructive ; Mr. Denmead's warehouse was swept away and nothing saved but the CONTENTS OF YOUR SAFE, which passed through the conflagration, preserving the books, money, &c , of the owner (including my own papers, &c), uninjured by fire. Bank notes which were taken from the safe when it was opened were as good as new ; nothing, in fact, was damaged except the backs of the books and some wax seals, which were curled and melted by the steam. Yours respectfully, THOMAS STEWARDSON, M. D., No. 13 Prune street. FIRE AT MONROE. Monroe, Ga. , April 27, 1858. Messrs. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen — On the 7th of April, 1857, a destructive fire occurred in this place, which destroyed our store and contents, with the exception of our books, money, and valuable papers, which were preserved in one of your Herring's Patent Cham- pion Safes. We cheerfully recommend to all having valuables to preserve from fire to inclose them in one of Herring's Patent Safes. T. & J. A. COOPE3,. FIRE AT COLUMBUS. Columbus, Ga., October 2G, 1859. S. C. Herring & Co. : On the 7th of June last our cotton warehouse was consumed by fire. In the Plate No. 26. Double Fire-Proof Safe. All sizes made double, as per above illustration, and recommended for situations ot extra hazard. heeeixg's fire-proof safes. 89 second story of the building was our office, in which we had one of your safes, con- taining valuable books and papers. Immediately under our office cotton was stored, tiered fourteen feet high. The floor of the office soon gave way and the safe fell upon the burning cotton below, resting on two tiers of cotton eighteen to twenty inches apart, fronting a door which opened into a cotton yard, through which came currents of air, producing a perfect furnace-heat for eight consecutive hours. We were so certain that the contents of the safe were destroyed that we did not remove it from the rubbish of the burning ruins for several days. But on removing and opening it, we found, to our great surprise, that all was safe, no papers or books injured. We have just ordered another through your agent, i Your obedient servants, ALLEN & CAMAK. GREAT FIRE IN GREENSBORO. Greensboro, Ga., June 6, 1860. Messrs. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen — In the extensive fire which occurred in this place on the night of the 26th of March last, our store was entirely consumed. We had in the store one of your Champion Safes, in which were deposited our money, books, and papers. After the fire was over it was taken out of the ruins and opened. All the contents were preserved, the binding of the books only being curled by steam. We think them now the best safes made. Very respectfully, JOHNSON & PORTER. GREAT FIRE IN CUTHBERT. Cuthbert, Ga., August 15, 1860. Messrs. Herring & Co., New York : Gentlemen — On the night of the 14th of July last a fire occurred here which con- sumed several buildings — eight or ten. Of the number was our office. In it was the safe recently purchased from you, containing our books and valuable papers. The fire originated about 11 o'clock. Our safe was removed from the ruins of our office about 8 or 9 o'clock A. M., and was opened about 6 o'clock in the evening, before it was entirely cold. We found the contents slightly injured, but the books and papers are legible. You will please send us another safe, a duplicate of the other, since we are unwilling to risk our books and valuable papers in our office unless protected in a safe. Very respectfully, DOUGLASS & DOUGLASS. FIRE AT ALBANY. Albany, Ga., December 3, 1860. Messrs. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen — I have been using one of your Patent Safes, which was purchased by Mr. Crummy some three years ago. The safe has recently passed through a fire here. The fire was so hot that it burned off one of the handles. The lock could not be unlocked with the key, so we were obliged to cut the door to pieces in order to get inside. On opening the safe, all the money and papers were safe. The covers of the books were melted off, but the writing and figures were all plain and good as before the fire. Will the safe, repaired, be good for another fire ? Yours respectfully, L. C. SHAW. 7 90 herring's fire-proof safes. We, the undersigned, citizens of Albany, Ga., certify that, on the morning of the 19th of November last, Mr. L. C. Shaw had his building on Washington street en- tirely destroyed by fire ; that we examined the safe of Herring's make, No. 16,174, while the remains of the fire were still burning, and before the safe itself was cool from the heat. We examined the papers taken from it afterward, and found them, together with books, money, &c, all uninjured and sound. Y. G. RUST, Agent Marine Bank. SIMS & RUST, Warehouse & Commission Merchants. JOHNSON & CO., " " " C. W. RAWSON, Merchant. NELSON TIFT, Cashier Branch Merchants & Planters' Bank. T. J. FLINT, Southwestern RR. Agent. JOHN A. DAVIS. E. RICHARDSON, P. M. HINES & HOBBS, Attomey-at-Law. ROBT. A. BEERS, Merchant. JAMES M. MERCER, Mayor. D. A. VASON, Attorney-at-Law. FLORIDA. GREAT FlRE AT TALLAHASSE, 1843. At the destruction of a latge number of warehouses in this city, one of these safes, purchased and used by the Florida Life and Trust Insurance Company of that place, although buried in the burning lire: for along time, effectually preserved its contents and delivered them up unscathed. FIRE IN PILATKA. Pilatka, Fla., March 19, 1859. V. . S. C. Herring & Co., No. 251 Broadway, New York : Gentlemen — In justice to the merits and virtue of Herring's Patent Fire-proof Sales, we would inform you that on the 31st day of January last our warehouse, wharf, and store were entirely destroyed by fire. Fortunately, we had our principal books, papers, and a large amount of money, secured in one of your safes, which, although it was exposed to the most intense heat tor upward of five hours, surrounded by the most tierce and consuming lire, and putting your safe to the most severe test as to its fire-proof qualities, we are happy to say it proved itself worthy of the highest recommendation. Our books, papers, &c., which it contained, were preserved uninjured. We gladly and gratefully tender our testimonial to the many already published toward giving the Herring Safe the credit and confidence it truly merits. Very respectfully, TEASDALE & REID. FIRE AT KEY WEST. Key West, Fla., June 1, 1859. S. C. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen — On the 16th ultimo, during the great fire at this place, our store was entirely destroyed. We had one of your safes, but removed the books and papers, Plate No. 27. IMPROVED PATENT BANKER'S SAFE. This safe is composed of two complete safes, one to protect against Burglars, the other against Fire, and one placed within the other. Our idea of a Fire and Burglar safe is, to make the two separate and complete in themselves, and then unite them, so that each has its own protection independent of the other. herring's fire-proof safes. 91 except one small book, which, on opening the safe, after being in the ruins eighteen hours in a heat that melted the brass plates and knobs, we found in a good state of preservation, without any injury save that caused to the binding by steam. I was so well pleased with your safe that I shall procure another as soon as possible. Yours respectfully, C. & E. HOWE. GREAT FIRE AT MARIANNA. Marianna, Fla.., November 4, 1859. Messrs. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen — On the 28th of October our town was visited by a very destructive fire and the largest one which has ever taken place here, destroying a whole block of tbe finest stores in the place. I had a Herring's Patent Safe in use, which was subjected to a most intense heat and fell into a cellar below. After removing from the ruins and opening it, the contents were found to be wholly uninjured. I would here remark that they truly merit the title of the Champion Fire-proof Safe. You will please ship me another immediately, as I do not consider my books, papers, and money secure without one. Respectfully yours, D. B. LESLIE. ANOTHER LARGE FIRE IN MARIANNA. Marianna, Fla., August 18, 1860. Messrs. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen — We certify that we have owned and used one of Herring's Patent Fire-proof Safes for some time, and that at the fire here on the 14th of July last it was situated in the second story of a large new building, from where it fell to the first floor and remained in an intense heat for some three or four hours. Two days afterward we got it out, and, upon opening it, we found all of our papers (a large number) and what money was in it well preserved. Although the safe is unfit for further use, we are satisfied it is fire-proof beyond a doubt. McClelland & barnes, Attorneys-at-Law. P. S. — Forward us another similar to the first, as we consider one indispensable. McC. & B. ANOTHER. Marianna, Fla., August 18, 1860. Messrs. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen — At the time of the destruction of our store by fire, which occurred on the night of July 14, we had one of your Patent Safes in use, which preserved its contents. Please ship us another one, a size larger than the other. Respectfully yours, PARKER & KING. 92 herring's fire-proof safes. GREAT FIRE AT JACKSONVILLE. Jacksonville, Fla., October 2, 1866. Messrs. Herring, Farrel & Sherman, New York : Gentlemen — At the destructive fire in this place on the 11th of March last I had one of your safes, bought some years ago. The building in which my safe was located was of pitch-pine and made a very hot fire. The brass knobs and plates in front were melted off, and the iron severely burned and weakened by the heat. On opening the safe, though the contents showed marks of severe exposure, my books were all saved in good condition. Please send me another of same size ; and in event of another visitation I shall be all ready for it. Respectfully yours, THEO. HARTRIDGE. ALABAMA. FIRE AT MOBILE. Mobilf, Ala., April 5, 1855. Mr. S. C. Herring : Dear Sir— I had at the destruction of my office by fire on the 21st day of March last a safe of your make, which was exposed to intense heat. Although I had removed most of my books and papers before the fire reached my counting- rcom, enough was left in the safe to test its fire-proof quality ; and upon opening the safe, the papers left within were found perfectly legible, and the mahogany book-case in a good state of preservation. I intend to purchase another of your Improved Patent Champion Safes of a larger size. W. M. PLEASANTS. ANOTHER FIRE AT MOBILE. Mobile, Ala., Aug. 1, 1856. S. C. Herring & Co.: Gentlemen — My store was destroyed by fire. I was fortunate enough to have my books and papers in one of your safes, and I am happy to say that the)' were preserved uninjured. I consider your safes superior to all others, and shall not feel safe without one of your make. ROBT. S. KIRK. GREAT FIRE AT MOBILE. Mobile, Ala., March 15, 1860. Messrs. 0. Mazange & Co., Agents Herring's Champion Safes : Gentlemen — We take pleasure in stating that the Herring's Patent Champion Safe purchased from you last year has been the means of preserving our books, pa- pers, &c, from the fire at the destruction of our office and building this morning. When we opened the safe, after the fire, we found its contents in as good condition as when put in last evening. The safe was exposed.to a severe test and proved its fire-proof qualities. We cheerfully recommend Herring's Patent Champion Safes to our friends and the public. MALONE & F00TE. Plate No. 28. No. 1— Folding Door, Triple Safe. Or " Banker's Safe " with Banker's Chest inside. 38 in. high, , 24 in. wide, I Inside. in. Avide, J- Outside. 16 in. deep, > Banker's Chest. 19 in. high, '. 16 in. deep, This safe is made like " Improved Banker's Safe," represented on Plate 27, with additional Banker's Chest or " Burglar-proof," inside. herring's fire-proof safes. 93 FIRE AT MOBILE. Mobile, Ala., Jan. 22, 1861. Messrs. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen — The Herring's Patent Champion purchased of your house, through your agents, passed through the large fire which occurred here on the 31st of De- cember last, falling through the ruins below, where it remained for two days. When opened the contents were found in a perfect state of preservation. The wood- work was in perfect order. We have ordered another safe from your agent, feeling perfectly satisfied of the fire-proof qualities of your make. KELLY, JACKSON & CO. ANOTHER IN SAME FIRE. Mobile, Ala. , Jan. 23, 1861. Messrs. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen — We had one of your Patent Champion Safes in the late fire here. It stood in the second story of a three-story brick building. The safe fell in the ruins, and, when removed and opened, the contents were removed in a perfect state of preservation ; nothing inside was injured. We cheerfully give you this certificate, being satisfied that your safes are fire-proof. MILLER, WEAVER & CO. LARGE FIRE AT GREENVILLE. Greenville, Aia., January 31, 1861. Messrs. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen — When my office, with other buildings, was burned on the night of the 27th inst., I had two of Herring's Safes in it. The papers and the bank-bills in one were well preserved. The other safe fell into the cellar and was exposed to great heat for about nine hours. The books and papers in this, though damaged by staam, can be used by rewinding the books. JOHN K. HENRY. ANOTHER IN SAME FIRE. Greenville, Ala, January 31, 1861. Messrs. Herring &'Co. : Gentlemen— I had a No. 7 safe in the late fire at this place, which contained my papers ; and, although the safe was subjected to an intense heat for hours — melting off the handles and plates — everything was faithfully preserved. It was all that it was recommended to me to be. When I resume business I will want another one. C. L. LINTHICUM. THE TWO GREAT FIRES IN GREENVILLE. Greenville, Ala., August, 1865. Messrs. Herring & Co., New York . Gentlemen — On the 27th of January, 1861, at which time all communication with your city was cut off, our town was visited by a severe conflagration, which destroyed some thirty odd buildings. Unfortunately, my building was consumed with the others, and was in the business center of the town. One of the two safes which we bought from you in the summer of 1860 passed through the fire, pre- 94 • herring's fire-proof safes. serving its contents — consisting of books, papers, and money — in good order. The other safe we managed to get out of the building without being much injured, and it was in the second large fire with which our place was visited on the 15th of September following. This great fire was much larger than the former, destroying the whole business part of the town. The safe that we rescued from the first fire passed through the second one, and again we were indebted to its good qualities for the preservation of our books and papers, though in the hottest of the fire. Besides the above two safes, the following gentlemen, who were burned out, also had your safe in use at the time of the fires, all of which resisted the flames and saved their books and papers : Deming Estate, J. H. Dunklin, N. B. Rowe, and others. Yours respectfully, D. G. DUNKLIN. GREAT FIRE AT BELL'S LANDING. Claibboene, Ala., August 24, 1857. Messrs. S. C. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen— The Herring's Patent Champion Safe we purchased of you was ex- posed to a very hot fire in the burning of our warehouse at Bell's Landing. The only damage to any of the contents of the safe was the melting of the glue on the binding of the books The papers, money, bank-bills, and everything in the safe, were uninjured, except the binding, as above stated. We will state that we believe your safes of great value to business men. Yours respectfully, J. W. & W. P. LESLIE. MISSISSIPPI. FIRE AT COLUMBUS. Columbus, Miss., September 2, 1859. Messrs. S. C. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen — We have now in use in our office one of Silas C. Herring & Co. 's Fire-proof Safes which was burned in the fire that consumed the store of Jonathan Decherd & Co., in 1854, and never scorched a paper in it. IRION & LOVE, Attorney s-at- Law . DESTRUCTIVE FIRE AT MARION STATION. Mebidian, Miss., August 1, 1866. Messrs. Herring, Farrel & Sherman, No. 251 Broadway, New York : Gentlemen — At the destructive fire which took place at Marion Station on the 11th of January, 1860, our store, with others, together with our entire stock of goods, was burned to the ground. We had one of your Patent Champion Safes at the time, which contained our books, valuable papers, and nearly five thousand dollars in money. The safe was found in the ruins after the fire was over, and was red-hot. When it was opened, much to our agreeable surprise, we found money, books, and everything all safe. We are much pleased with the result, and when we visit New York will call on you and buy another safe of the same kind. Yours truly, 0. & J. ROSENBAUM. herring's fire-proof safes. 95 FIRE IN BRANDON. Brandon, Miss., September 20, 1866. Messrs. Herring, Farrel & Sherman : It may be interesting to you, and I think it may be a benefit to the business men, to inform you that the Herring's Patent Safe bought of you in 1856 was in my store at the time it was burned July, 1863, and contained all my valuable pa- pers. The building was one hundred and forty-five feet long, two stories high, and made a very severe fire. The safe was red-hot. and after recovering the same from the ruins, on opening it I found everything in good order. You will ship me another of a larger size, and also one of same size to Messrs. Harper & Shelby of this place. Respectfully, R. MAXEY. LOUISIANA. FIRE AT NEW ORLEANS IN 1842. At the burning of the large warehouse of Messrs. J. W. Stanton & Co., the public prints thus notice : " We saw the Salamander Safe yesterday taken from the ruins of the store occu- pied by J. W. Stanton & Co. The books and papers it contained were in as perfect a state of preservation as they would have been had there not been a fire within ten squares of them. The oil and candles in the store of Stanton & Co. made about as comfortable a fire as we desire to see. — JV". 0. Picayune. GREAT FIRE AT NEW ORLEANS, 15th AND 16th FEBRUARY, 1850. New Orleans, La., February, 1850. Dear Sir — I take great pleasure to inform you that I had in my office. No. 58 Camp street, a Patent Safe made by S. C. Herring, purchased from you, which was, in my opinion, subject to as severe a tes,t as any safe during the great fire on the night of the loth and 16th instant. So severe did the fire rage around this safe that the brass plates and knobs were all melted off. On opening the safe the con- tents were found to be in a perfect state of preservation. A quantity of bank- notes and title-deeds were taken out after the fire in as perfect a state as they were when I put them in my safe before the fire took place. So well am I satisfied that I shall, as soon as I obtain another office, purchase from you one of the same kind, or perhaps larger, and can confidently recommend your safes as truly fire-proof. You may refer to me any one wishing to inquire respecting the above facts. Yours very respectfully, EDWIN FERGUSON. To Mr. Frederick Camerden, New Orleans, Agent for Herring' s Safes. BURNING OF THE ST. CHARLES HOTEL. New Orleaks, April 23, 1851. John Farrel, Agent for Herring's Safes, Philadelphia : Dear Sir — As regards the large Herring's Safe which I had in my jewelry store herring's fire-proof safes. 97 AND ANOTHER. New Orleans, April 15, 1854. Mr. Silas C. Herring : Sir— On the evening of the 15th of March last our store, No. 36 Natchez street, was consumed by fire. In our counting-room, on the second floor, we had one of your safes, which contained most of our hooks, valuable papers, and several hun- dred dollars in bank-bills. The safe remained in the flames from two o'clock at night until five o'clock the next day. The brass knob, door-plate, and other metal ornaments, were melted off; and, when opened, we found all the books, papers, and money in perfect order ; the backs of some of the books being slightly charred. Since the fire we have purchased another of your Improved Patent Double-flange Safes from Mr. G-eorge W. Sizer, your agent here. (Signed) C. & G. B. TATE. ANOTHER FIRE AT NEW ORLEANS. New Orleans, August, 1854. Mr. Silas C. Herring: Sir — We deem it a duty to hand you a certificate of the fact that our books, papers, &c, were preserved in one of Herring's Patent Safes in the great fire on the 5th inst. , on Magazine and Tchoupitoulas streets. The safe was exposed to the most intense heat for several hours, and, when opened, its contents — consisting of books, papers, &c. — were fouud to be as perfect as when first put in. Tours respectfully, J. M. SAVAGE & CO. FIRE AT NEW ORLEANS. New Orleans, Sept. 15, 1857. Messrs. S. C. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen — Our store and contents were entirely destroyed by fire on the morn- ing of July 8th, 1857. A portion of our books and papers, along with a large amount of cash, was deposited in the new safe purchased from you, which was sub- jected to an intense heat for several hours, and, when opened, the contents were in a perfect state of preservation. ELLIOTT & CO., Per Wm. B. Clark. FIRE AT NEW ORLEANS. New Orleans, Dec. 13, 1861. Messrs. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen — In the fire which occurred on the evening of the 7th inst. at the store of Mr. E. Blessey, No. 74 Poydras street, consuming the building, with all its contents, the undersigned had one of your Fire-proof Safes. Upon examining the same, after an exposure of over twelve hours to the most intense heat, its contents were found to be in a well-preserved condition ; and I have much pleasure in thus adding my testimonial to the many you have already received relative to the fire- proof qualities of your Champion Safes. I am, gentlemen, yours respectfully, EDWARD C. CARTWRIGHT. herring's fire-proof safes. 97 AND ANOTHER. New Orleans, April 15, 1854. Mr. Silas C. Herring : Sir— On the evening of the 15th of March last our store, No. 36 Natchez street, was consumed hy fire. In our counting-room, on the second floor, we had one of your safes, wbich contained most of our hooks, valuable papers, and several hun- dred dollars in bank-bills. The safe remained in the flames from two o'clock at night until five o'clock the next day. The brass knob, door-plate, and other metal ornaments, were melted off; and, when opened, we found all the books, papers, and money in perfect order ; the backs of some of the books being slightly charred. Since the fire we have purchased another of your Improved Patent Double-flange Safes from Mr. George W. Sizer, your agent here. (Signed) C. & G. B. TATE. ANOTHER FIRE AT NEW ORLEANS. New Orleans, August, 1854. Mr. Silas C. Herring: Sir — We deem it a duty to hand you a certificate of the fact that our books, papers, &c, were preserved in one of Herring's Patent Safes in the great fire on the Othinst., on Magazine and Tchoupitoulas streets. The safe was exposed to the most intense heat for several hours, and, when opened, its contents — consisting of books, papers, &c. — were found to be as perfect as when first put in. Yours respectfully, J. M. SAVAGE & CO. FIRE AT NEW ORLEANS. New Orleans, Sept. 15, 1857. Messrs. S. C. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen — Our store and contents were entirely destroyed hy fire on the morn- ing of July 8th, 1857. A portion of our books and papers, along with a large amount of cash, was deposited in the new safe purchased from you, which was sub- jected to an intense heat for several hours, and, when opened, the contents were in a perfect state of preservation. ELLIOTT & CO., Per Wm. B. Clark. FIRE AT NEW ORLEANS. New Orleans, Dec. 13, 1861. Messrs. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen — In the fire which occurred on the evening of the 7th inst. at the store of Mr. E. Blessey, No. 74 Poydras street, consuming the building, with all its contents, the undersigned had one of your Fire-proof Safes. Upon examining the same, after an exposure of over twelve hours to the most intense heat, its contents were found to he in a well-preserved condition ; and I have much pleasure in thus adding my testimonial to the many you have already received relative to the fire- proof qualities of your Champion Safes. I am, gentlemen, yours respectfully, EDWARD C. CART WRIGHT. 98 herring's fire-proof safes. TEXAS. FIRE AT INDIANOLA. March 29, 1854. "We do this day certify that a safe manufactured by Silas C. Herring did, on the 27th day of July last, insure our books and papers from the effect of a late fire, and that we will conscientiously recommend them to any one who may desire a Fire- proof Safe . BALDRIDGE, SPARKS & CO. FIRE IN HOUSTON. Houston, April 18, 1859. Messrs. S. C. Herring & Co. : Gektlemen — You have doubtless heard of the conflagration in our town on the night of the 8th of February last, which consumed our entire building and a large amount of goods. "We had our hooks and papers in one of your large Herring's Patent Safes, and they came out in perfect order. W. R. WILSON. THE GREAT FIRE IN HOUSTON. Test No. 1. Houston, Texas, June, 1860. Messrs. Herring & Co., No. 251 Broadway, New York : Gentlemen — In the great fire which occurred at this place on the 9th of March last I had the misfortune to be among the sufferers. The fire was the most exten- sive that has ever occurred in this city or State. The safe of your manufacture which I purchased from you was in my building and exposed to all the severity of this terrible ordeal. After the fire was over, and I succeeded in getting the safe from the burned district, it was opened and the entire contents were found to be all safe. I am well pleased with the result, and consider this trial of far greater sever- ity than sates are liable to be exposed to. Everything in my safe — consisting of papers, &c. — was not only in good order, but a watch which I had put inside for safe keeping was as good as new. DAN M. CUTTER. Test No. 2. Houston, Texas, March 21, 1860. Messrs. S. C. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen — At the time of the great fire here, on the 9th instant, my building was entirely consumed. I had one of Herring's Safes in use, which contained my books, papers, and some gold and silver. After getting the safe out of the ruins 1 found the contents all in good order, with the exception of being slightly steamed, and think it will stand another test. J. S. TAFT. THE GREAT FIRE IN DALLAS. Dallas, Texas, July 10, 1860. Messrs. Herring & Co , No. 251 Broadway, New York : Gentlemen — You have doubtless heard of the disastrous conflagration which herring's fire-proof safes. 99 devastated our town on the 8th of this month, destroying every business house, and almost sweeping Dallas from the face of the country. I had one of your Patent Champion Safes in my store at the time, which con- tained all my books, papers, money, &c. The safe was surrounded by heavy burning timbers for a long time, and was as hot as fire could make it. The safe was in the fire until the next day, as we- could not reach it on account of the heat. Judge of my surprise when we got it open to find everything all safe— not a paper scorched and nothing injured but the melting of the varnish and glue in the backs of the books. One of my neighbors — who had a safe of another New York make — was not so fortunate ; he came to me after the fire and said : "I have been deceived in my safe, it is good for nothing. When you go to New York buy me one of Her- ring's." You will please ship one immediately, say a size smaller than mine, care R. & D. G. Mills, Galveston. Yours truly, E. M. STACKPOLE. ANOTHER SAFE IN THE SAME FIRE. herring's patent alone triumphant ! Dallas, Texas. September 2, 1860. Messrs. Herring & Co., New York : Gentlemen — Your esteemed favor of the 23d of July came to hand some time ago ; my absence and the fire delayed the answer. My brother, who was here during the fire, told me that at the commencement of the same he put all my books in the safe, having full confidence in it ; and as nearly every building on the square was destroyed, this was very fortunate, other- wise they would probably have been lost. The leather on the books simply was affected ; the paper scarcely touched, and the writing all perfectly legible. Please send me another of your ninety-dollar safes, care of Kauffman & Kloe- ner, Galveston, on the same terms I bought the other. Yours respectfully, A. SHIREK. P. S. — Some safes of other make tested here have proven to be worthless. ARKANSAS FIRE AT LITTLE ROCK. Little Rock, Ark., January 7, 1865. F. W. Roberts, Agent Herring's Safes : Dear Sir — About the year 1859 we purchased one of Herring's Safes. On the morning of the 1st inst. we wore so unfortunate as to be burned out. Our business being drugs, the fire was very hot around the safe for over five hours, and we are happy to inform you that it stood the test to a charm, having preserved its contents in perfect order ; but the door is sprung and the spring of the lock was so much out of order that we had to remove the iron plate over the lock and cut the lock open ; so as the safe now is we cannot use it. Now we wish to know what to do — ■ whether you can send us a new door that would fit it, or whether the safe will have to be forwarded to you ? Yours respectfully, KENNEAR & HUGHES. 100 herring's fire-proof safes. MISSOURI. FIRE INT ST. LOUIS, APRIL 9, 1848. [Extract of a letter received from J. It. Alexander &c Co.] <* <* ° * • s ° We had a pretty clever fire here some two weeks since, which tested two of your safes which we sold. They were in the front part of the second story of a four-story stone building, rilled with merchandise and liquors, and fell through to the first story, and, when cooled off, were unlocked, and ihe inside found to be all 0. K. It has given very general satisfaction here. The above safes belonged severally to Messrs. Matthews & Co. and Mr. R. B. Catherwood, who thus, though everything else was destroyed, through this instru- mentality, preserved their invaluable books and papers. GREAT FIRE IN ST. LOUIS, 17th AND 18th MAY, 1849. FIFTEEN BLOCKS OF BUILDINGS AND FROM $3,000,000 TO $5,000,000 WORTH OF PROPERTY DESTROYED ! ! ! In the ruins of the above great fire no less than twenty Herring's Safes lay buried, and for confirmation of the very satisfactory result, the public are referred fco the letters here following, and the subjoined well-known firms themselves who were the ownersof the Safes then exp ised to the fire. Suffice it to say, that although so many were subjected to that fiery trial, not a single loss occurred: St. Louis, Mo., July, 1849. Mr. S. C. Herring : Dear Sir— The safe which we purchased of you some time last year was in our store during the " great conflagration " at this place in May last; and it gives us much pleasure to say that, though very much exposed, and we did not get at it until it had been in the fire some forty-eight hours, when finally dug out from the ruins of our building— contrary to our own forebodings and the prophecies of those who saw it before opening— it delivered up its contents in excellent order; not only were the books and money all safe, but loose papers, lying as much exposed as they well could be inside, were as bright as when put in. We must also say, in justice "to the safe, before concluding, that we cannot conceive the possibility ofasafe being moreexposed, even in that great fire, than this, our own, was; as it fell from the back part of our office floor (second story), and when first got at was com- pletely imbedded in the red-hot limestone. The outside appearances testify but too well to the intense heal to which it was subjected ; not only are the maker's name- plate and the brass knob completely melted, but the heavy iron rollers on the bot- tom of the safe are run down into strings. Yours, &c, S. & J. HAMILL, Late HamUl, McMechan Sf Co. ANOTHER IN SAME FIRE. St. Louis, Aug. 10, 1849. Messrs. J. H. Alexander & Co., Agents for Herring's Safes : Gentlemen— Having bought of you one of Herring's Safes, it may be important to persons wishing to get a safe that they can rely upon as secure to know the condition of such as were exposed to the great fire of the 17th May last. We re- moved the safe from the ruins on the morning of the 19th at a late hour, and Plate No. 30. Looking into the Vault of Brown, Brothers & Co., WAEL STREET, NEW YORK. The above is a bird's-eye view of the interior of Brown, Brothers & Co's great Vault recently erected in their new Banking House, and considered one of the best in I he world. It is entered through two sets of massive doors, each two inches thick, of Wrought and Patent Crystallized Iron, making 4 inches in all. Inside can be seen five large Banker's Chests ; each one is no less than four inches thick, of solid wrought iron and " Spiegel Eisen," the best burglar-proof yet made. Each Safe is secured by two Double Combination Bank Locks, capable of hundreds of millions of changes. herring's fire-proof safes. 101 from the appearance it presented we expected to find the books and papers it contained to be useless, if not entirely destroyed. But on forcing it open we found that the greatest injury to the books was in the parting of the covers. The papers are all legible, and will serve for future reference as well as if no accident had occurred. We are well satisfied with the test in this as well as in other in- stances ; and the best evidence of the confidence we place in them is the fact of having ordered, through you, another of the same description. Tours respectfully, HELFENSTEIN, GORE & CO. AND ANOTHER. St. Louis, August 2, 1849. Messrs. J. H. Alexander & Co. : Gentlemen — The safe (Herring's) we purchased of you was in the fire cf the 17th May last, and upon opening it we found our books and papers in a good state of preservation. Your obedient servants, KEITH, RAT & CO. ANOTHER. St. Louis, July 27, 1819. Messrs. J. H. Alexander & Co. : Gent^kmen — At your request we send you an account of the contents of our safe, purchased of you. On the night of the fire we took out our books and filled it with unimportant papers ; it fell with the floor into the cellar on a load of charcoal, and lay there for a week before we got it out. When it was got out we applied the key and opened it as easily as ever, and found our papers fully legible, though somewhat parched from being so long in the fire. As it is, we use it as usual. Tours truly, JOHNSON & MANNT. In addition to the above the subscribers would refer to the following gentlemen, all of whom had these safes exposed in the fire at that time : JACARD & CO., THOS. B. DUTCHER & BRO., EDWARD MEAD, EDGELL, PEASLT & CO., M. LAFLIN, P. WILSON & CO., D'OEUCH, PELLOUX & CO., EDWARD MATTHEWS & BRO., D. W. GRAHAM, BERTHOLD, EWING & CO., MATTISON & PRESTON, FERDINAND KENNETT, L. PECHMAN, JAS. E. WOODRUFF & CO., St. Louis Floating Dock and Insurance Co., W. T. RETNOLDS. ANOTHER FIRE AT ST. LOUIS, DECEMBER 16, 1819. [From (he New York Journal of Commerce.] Fire at St. Louls. — On the 16th inst. a fire broke out in the large four-story brick building on Locust street, hetween Water and Main streets, owned by Lewis A. Labaume ; the edifice, about fifty feet front, was divided by a center wall into two tenements. The first floor was occupied by Messrs. J. H. Alexander & Co., produce and commission merchants and agents for the sale of Safes ; the second floor by J. E. Woodruff & Co., Messrs. T. B. Dutcher & Bro., Mr. C. Adolphe Low, and Messrs. R. M. Funkhouser & Co. Not an article of any kind was saved 102 herring's fire-proof safes. — in fact, no one entered after the fire was first discovered. The ahove parties have lost al] their hooks and papers, unless the iron safes in which they were deposited have resisted the action of the fire. [Extract of a letter from J. H. Alexander Sf Co.] St. Louis, December 22, 1849. Mr. S. C. Herring, New York : Dear Sir — AVe had the misfortune to have, on the evening of Sunday last, 17th inst., our store, with its entire contents, destroyed by fire — of which fact you are aware by telegraph. There were four of your safes, which contained books and papers, in the fire, and all of them turned out first-rate. The safes here named belonged to the parties referred to in the above notice, and it will be seen that the iron safes here mentioned did effectually resist all the action of the fire. LARGE FIRE AT ST. LOUIS, MAY, 1852. [From the Missouri Republican, May 26.] A Secure Safe. — The safe owned by Messrs. McMehan & Co.. and taken from the ruins of the building destroyed night before last on the levee, is a good sample of what a good safe should be — an unconquerable phoenix, which will rise the more triumphantly from its ashes at every new conflagration. This safe, one of Her- ring's, passed unscathed through a former ordeal, although subjected for many hours, it is said, to a perfect flood of flames. In this instance the worst materials, as bacon, liquors, dry pine timbers, &c., contributed their fury to the flames which enveloped the safe ; yet, on its being opened, the papers and books of Messrs. McMehan & Co. were comparatively in excellent condition — no material injury had been done them. Speak to us about safes that carry out the object of their con- struction like this. Messrs. ,T. H. Alexander & Co., the agents for Herring's safes, finding that our dumb ami wrought iron hero has proved a good and faithful servant, will, if they can, get it back, roll it into sheets and hang out the banners on their outward walls, on Pine street, where it may celebrate its own glory. GREAT FIRE AT ST. LOUIS. St. Louis, September 22, 1856. Messrs. Roberts and Davis : Gentlemen — It gives us great pleasure to inform you that the safe purchased of your manufacture, Herring's Patent, by -Mr. Bailey, last summer, was taken from the ruins of the fire this morning. The safe was almost red-hot when we reached it, after being exposed seven hours, and from the outside appearance, the brass name-plate being melted off, we supposed it was entirely destroyed. We were very much surprised to find, upon opening it, the wood-work in good order, our books and papers perfectly legible, also bank bills all safe and sound. C H. BAILEY. MOSES ELEY. ANOTHER GREAT FIRE AT ST. LOUIS.. Messrs. Roberts & Davis : Gentlemen— The Herring's Patent Champion Safe of your manufacture, which we purchased about five months ago, was in our building at the time of its destruction, on the night of the 19th inst. We had removed the greater portion of our books before the fire reached us, but left one or two inside purposely to herring's fire-proof safes. 103 « test the security of the safe. After fourteen hours of severe roasting we found the interior of the safe, upon opening, perfectly sound, the varnish not being taken off, the books perfectly legible. ' We cheerfully recommend your Champion Safe to the public, and as soon as we get a new location shall require another safe, and none other than Herring's Patent Champion will do us. We remain yours, &c, W. 0. WHEELER & CO. FIRE AT TRENTON. Trenton, Mo., January 3, 1864. Messrs. Pratt & Fox, St . Louis : Gentlemen — On the 11th instant the building in which our office was situated, which was a large two-story brick, containing two stores, printing office, four law offices, and boot and shoe shop, was totally consumed by fire. The large iron safe (Herring's Patent) which our firm bought of your house a few years ago went through the fiery trial and came out unscathed. It not only brought its contents through safely, but we have it still in use apparently as good as ever. Respectfully yours, SHANEUN & AUSTIN. TENNESSEE. Cannon's Store, Sevier Co., E. Tenn., Feb. 2, 1861. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen — My store was burned on the night of the 14th of January last. I had my notes and cash in the safe I purchased from you September 29th, 1860, which were preserved uninjured. My store was a two-story frame building. We did not get the safe out until the building was entirely destroyed. The safe when taken from the ruins was red-hot all over. I wish to know if it will be safe to risk it in another fire. Yours, W. H. CANNON. OHIO. THE GREAT FIRE AT CLEVELAND. [From the Tribune of November 2, 1854.] The Cleveland Fire.— The safe of J. Morrison, banker, which came safely out of this great fire with $20,000 of bank notes unharmed, was one of Herring's make, despite the indirect claim laid to it by other parties. Here is the evidence : [Extract of a letter to T. J. Coleman, Esq., Banker, No. 63 Wall street.] Cleveland, Nov. 14, 1854. Our friend Morrison, the banker, was burned out among the rest, but his safe stood the fire. I saw everything taken out of the safe, all in good order. It stood a tremendous fire, and it is said was red-hot a long time. It was one of Herring's safes. Tours, M. CRAPSER & CO. 104 herring's fire-proof safes. ANOTHER SAFE IN SAME FIRE. . Cleveland, November 14, 1854. S. C. Herring, Esq. : » Sir — On the 28th nit. our city was visited by the most disastrous fire that ever occurred in this place, destroying a large portion of the heavy business part of our great city. Our warehouse, containing a heavy stock of merchandise, was entirely consumed. The only valuables that we saved were contained in the safe purchased of you. Our books (a valuable set) and about $600 in money were recovered about twelve hours after the fire, and, we are happy to state, without the loss of a single dollar's worth. We shall be in your city in a few days and select another of your valuable safes. L. F. & S. BURGESS. LARGE FIRE AT CLEVELAND. Cleveland, December 19, 1862. Messrs. Herring & Co., New York : Gentlemen — On the night of the 29th ultimo our establishment, with its con- tents, and some buildings adjoining were destroyed by fire. We owe the preserva- tion of our books, valuable papers, and a large sum of money to the faithfulness of your Champion Safe. It was red-hot, yet brought forth its contents in excellent order ; not a line was effaced or a dollar missing. We did not get the safe out until the building and contents were entirely destroyed. Send us another safe of a larger size immediately and we will return the oid one. It may be worth something for you to show its honored scars. Yours respectfully, A. STEPHENS & SONS. ANOTHER LARGE FIRE IN CLEVELAND. Cleveland, August 30, 1864. Messrs. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen — It gives me much pleasure to write you certifying to the fire-proof qualities of your justly celebrated safes, having had one in the building known as the " Old Baptist Church," when it was destroyed by fire on the night of the 6th of August. The safe contained my books and valuable papers, which were preserved in excellent condition. The fire where the safe stood was very hot ; and it was for- tunate that I had it then in my possession. WILLIAM GREEN. FIRE AT MILAN. Milan, Ohio, November 17, 1849. Mr. S. C. Herring : Dear Sir — A short time since our warehouse with several others was destroyed, and, being unable to get out the safe we purchased of you last spring, it was so badly roasted that the brass knob on the door was melted off and the outside of the safe very much sprung — so much so that we are afraid to trust it again to a like ordeal, should one occur — although it did us excellent service on that occasion, preserving our books and papers, not only so that they are perfectly legible, but in a condition that enables us to use them. We would inquire of you whether we can trust it again under like circumstances should they ever occur ; and also how you will exchange for a new one of the same size and fashion. Truly yours, STEVENS & RYAN. Plate No. 31. The FOUR INCH (four inches thick) Banker's Chests, Made for Brown, Brothers & Co., As they appear inside their vault. HERRINGS FIRE-PROOF SAFES. 105 FIRE AT REPUBLIC, APRIL, 1852. [From the Ohio Standard, July 1, 1852.] A day or two since we were invited to examine one of the above safes — the one owned by D. P. Russell, of Republic, and in his mill at the time it was burned on the 26th of April last. The mill was a large one (four stories high), and this safe was in the fire for six hours, after which it was dragged from the coals, suffered to cool, and then opened. The books and papers belonging to the mill were all in it, perfectly sound and whole, neither smoked nor sweated. This safe we think was thoroughly tested ; and those wishing to purchase afire-proof article should procure one of Herring's Safes. In consequence of the extreme heat and its falling from the second story its outward surface is much disfigured, but the shelving and drawers inside are as per- fect as ever. FIRE AT RAVENNA. [Extract from a letter.] Ravenna, 0., July 8, 1853. Silas C. Herring : Sir — Your letter of inquiry respecting the burning of our store and fate of safe duly came to hand. The fire was discovered in our three-story brick store about three o'clock in the morning. The safe was on the first floor, in the store-room, over some casks of linseed and lamp oil in the basement, and an attempt to remove the safe after our arrival at the-fire was unsuccessful, as the wind was high and the fire burned with great rapidity, soon causing the floor, with the safe, to fall into the basement under the burning timbers and combustible materials of the upper stories. It remained in this situation until the fire subsided so that it could be reached with chains, and was then quite red-hot ; the outside plates warped and part of the wheels melted off. The safe contained bank-bills, books, notes, and papers to a large amount, which would have been an irretrievable loss to us had they I een destroyed. We supposed when the safe was removed from the fire, and the intense heat to which it had been so long exposed, that its contents must be destroyed ; but, upon opening it, to our surprise and satisfaction, we found the contentsin a perfect state of preservation, except the binding of some of the books being a little discolored. Respectfully yours, S. A. & B. A. GILLETT. FIRE AT PAINESVILLE. Painesville, 0., August 21, 1857. Messrs. S. C. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen — Our city was visited by a very destructive fire on the morning of the 4th instant, when a whole block of buildings was entirely consumed. I fortunately was provided with one of your Herring's Safes, which stood the fire nobly, and, after removal from the ruins, looked nearly as well inside as when new. C. S. BARTLETT. P. S. — I shall call upon you and select a larger safe when I go to New York this fall. In the meantime I would like to have you send me a small one from your agent at Buffalo. There was one of Lillie's safes in the same fire which was burned to ashes inside and broken in two. 106 herring's fire-proof safes. MICHIGJ-AN. FIRE AT DETROIT, JUNE, 1849. [From the Detroit Daily Advertiser.] The following communication, from a business man of this city, addressed to the agent of Herring's S ifes, miy be relied upon as presenting facts which tend to establish and confirm the excellent character of this article, for the purpose for which it is intended. The ferry-house spoken of in the communication was a large building, and was entirely burned down. Detroit, Mich., June 24, 1849. R. H. Hall, Agent for Herring's Safes : Dear Sir — It gives me groat pleasure to inform you that the safe purchased of you by the late John Edwards was taken from the ruins of the fire on the night of the 15th hist., and, on opening it. found the contents perfect as when put in. The safe was on the second story of the ferry-house. It fell to the lower floor and was buried in the hottest of the fire. It being near the mid lie of the house, and in consequence of the great quantity of ruins heaped upon it, many hours elapsed before it could be got at. 1 think it a sufficient test of the superiority of your safes over all others. THOS. GALLAGHER. LARGE FIRE AT DETROIT. Detroit, Mich., Jan. 12, 1863. Messrs. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen — In these times, when so much is being said about fire -proof and burglar-proof safes, we deem it no more than our duty to put the community in possession of the facts connected with the test of one of your Champion Safes, and a test that should (if it has not already been done) settle the question as to where a certain and sure Fire-proof Safe can be obtained. We bought one of your No. 6 Safes from your agent in this city, B. Vernor. It was placed in the center of our frame store, at a point where three frame stores joined. On the night of January 7. 1863, the premises took fire, and the fire raged most furiously in the immediate vicinity of the safe. The fire mide a most intense heat, from the large amount of combustible material in the immediate vicinity. So great was the heat that we made great efforts to have the safe removed, feeling that it might be too much risk to let it stay, if, by any means, it could be got out; but it was impossible, and the bystanders, among whom was a rival sife agent, assured us our' case was a hopeless one, and we would find no contents when we got at the safe. After the fire, we, as soon as possible, got the safe out. It showed evidence of having been subjected to intense heat, and we opened it with great trepidation, and then, to our great relief, we found every item in good condition. We recommend Herring's Champion Safes most cheerfully to any one wanting a safe that is safe. Yours truly, PELGRIM, GRAY & CO. GREAT FIRE IN DETROIT. Detroit, Mich., December 28, 1859. B. Vernor, Agent for Herring's Patent Champion Safe : Dear Sir — We take great pleasure in informing you that one of your No. 5 Plate No. 32. FOR DWELLINGS, &c. No. 5— Toilet. Inside. 20 in. high, 15 In. wide, 15 In. deep. Boudoir. No. 5— Cabinet. No. 5'/ 2 — Toilet. No. 5 '/2— Cabinet. Inside Measure, 22 in. high, 17 in. wide, 15 in. deep. herring's fire-proof safes. 107 Safes, owned by us, preserved its contents most effectually, and greatly to our sat- isfaction and that of the admiring crowd who witnessed its disinterment from the ruins of the four-story brick store occupied by us as a grocery and which was burned last night. The safe fell into the cellar and the timbers of all the floors fell and burned upon it, together with a ton of butter, and, after being exposed to this great test for nine hours, we opened it with perfect ease with the key. We most cheerfully recommend the Herring Champion Safe to any person in want of an article that is what it claims to be — a safe. MILLER & JUDD. GREAT FIRE AT MANCHESTER. Manchester, Mich., July 26, 1854. Silas C. Herring, Esq. : Dear Sir — I have thought for some time past I would write to you to know if it would be safe to risk valuable books and papers in your safe after it had once been through a severe fire. One year ago my store was burned, and your safe, with my books and papers in it, was exposed to intense heat for several hours ; in addition to the natural heat of the building, it received the flames from five tons of hams which hung under the counting-room. All the books came out perfectly safe. Some eighteen or twenty buildings were burned at the time, and I can give you as tall a certificate as you could wish without telling anything but facts. I see you have a Burglar and Powder-proof Lock, called Hall's Patent. Will you give me your prices with Hall's Patent Lock and oblige Tours respectfully, J. D. KIEF. LARGE FIRE AT GRAND RAPIDS. Grand Rapids, Mich., February 17, 1860. Messrs. S. C. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen— We had one of your No. 5 Safes in our law office, in the second story of the four-story brick building known as the Taylor & Barnes Block, in this city, which was destroyed by fire on the evening of the 23d of January, involving a loss of over $100,000. The safe contained a large amount of valuable papers, our own and held in trust for others, involving a sum of at least $100,000, and fell into the cellar, where it lay in the midst of burning liquors, alcohol and other inflammable sub- stances, causing the most intense he it, notwithstanding all of which, we are happy to say, it pres >rved its contents, thereby saving us an irreparable loss. We have this day bought another one, larger size, from your General Agent for Michigan, B. Vernor, and cheerfully recommend the Herring Champion Safe to every one. ASHLEY & MILLER. GREAT FHIE AT BUCHANAN. Buchanan, Mich., November 7, 1862. Messrs. Herring & Co. , New York : Gentlemen— Our store, which was a three-story and basement brick building, was totally destroyed by the recent large fire, which consumed most of the business portion of our town, on the 31st of October last. We had two of your Fire-proof Safes in use, which were subjected to an intense heat for twenty hours One of them we have had eight years — its contents are as perfect as before the fire. The other we have had three years — it is one of your Herring's Patent Champions. The heat was so great around this safe that two of the iron wheels 108 herring's fire-proof safes. are partially melted off; yet the books and papers which it contained are as perfect as before the fire. We are now using the books and papers which both safes con- tained. The bindings of some of them are a little drawn by the steam from the fire- proof filling, which is the only indication that they have passed through a fire. We have always had the utmost confidence in your Fire-proof Safes The test has proved to us they are all you claim — perfect protection for books, papers, and so forth, from fire. Yours respectfully, ROSS, ALEXANDER & CO. FIRE AT LOWELL. Lowell, Mich, January 6, 1862. Messrs. Herring & Co., New York : Gentlemen — On the morning of the 29th December our store was burned, together with all its contents. The store was a two-story wooden building, twenty- four by sixty-two feet, very strong and substantial. Our books and papers were in one of your Patent Safes, which passed through the fire and preserved them completely. The safe is somewhat damaged outside ; the panels are warped, and the temper of the lock must be drawn, for the safe was red-hot. Will you take hack the safe and sell us a new one ? Our safe was bought by Mr. Hunt, April 16th, 1860, and cost $lo0. Please write us. Yours truly, HOOKER, HUNT & CO. LARGE FIRE AT SAGINAW. East Saginaw, Mich., July 15, 1861. Messrs. Herring & Co. , New York : Gentlemen— Our store and warehouse were totally consumed by fire on the morning of the 25th of June. We had one of your Patent Champion Safes in use. In it we had all of our books, papers, insurance policies, and some money, which were preserved. Not a line of writing, or leaf of our books, or any of the papers was injured in the least. The leather covers to the books were drawn by the steam. We had the books rebound, and are now using them the same as though nothing had happened. The tiro was an extremely hot one, melting the brass ornamental- plates and knobs on the doors completely off. The outside iron is much warped by the heat. We were unable to save anything from our stock of goods. Thanks to your safe, we have our books and papers preserved, which money could not replace. Yours respectfully, CURTIS, BLISS & CO. P. S. It having been reported that our books and papers were destroyed by the lata fire, we write the above to correct such rumors. C, B. & CO. GREAT FIRE AT DOWAGIAC. Dowagiac, Mich., January 22, 1864. Messrs . Herring & Co. , Chicago : Gentlemen— On the second of this month our village was visited with a severe fire, which burned the larger part of our business street, consisting of a block of eleven stores in which our store was located. We had one of your Herring's Patent Champion Safes, which was severely tested, it having fallen down on a pile of about three cords Plate No. 33. FOR DWELLINGS, &c. No. 8— Toilet. M-t-d 32 in. high, 22 in. wide, L inside Measure. 15 In. deep, No. 1-Sideboard Safe. 22 in. high, 28 in. wide, \ Inside Measure. 16 in. deep, herring's fire-proof safes. 109 of seasoned oak wood in the cellar and remained there until the huilding was entirely consumed. We found our hooks all safe, not injured with the exception of the leather binding of the books, which was melted by the steam from the fire- proof filling. I send you one of the books as a fair sample. I am surprised at the result of the safe after so severe a test, and now I want you to send me one of the same kind on your best terms. Yours truly, DANIEL LAKZELERE. FIRE AT JACKSON. Jackson, Mich., February 4, 1865. Messrs. Herring & Co., Chicago, 111. : Gentlemen — In reply to yours of the 31st ult., we are glad to inform you that our books, papers, &c. , contained in one of your Herring's Patent Champion Safes which was in our store at the time of its destruction by fire on the 28th of January last, were well preserved, except the binding of the books and the morocco note- case, which were damaged by the hot steam from the filling ; otherwise they were all right. We think the test has been a severe one for your safe. It stood on the lower floor of a three-story brick building (and no cellar), the two upper floors were heavily loaded, and when the joists were burned the two floors came down and covered all the lower floor and burned everything combustible. You can judge something of the intense heat the safe was subjected to. Please send us a price-list and make us a proposition for exchange for a safe two or three sizes larger. Yours truly, RICE, GIBSON & PRATT. ILLINOIS. FIRES IN CHICAGO. BURNING OF HADDOCK'S WAREHOUSE. Chicago, III., November 15, 1851. Mr. S. C. Herring : Sir — In the recent destruction of my warehouse by fire, my safe (of your manu- facture) was exposed for six hours to the most intense heat, and proved itself worthy of entire confidence in its ability to preserve its contents. My books and papers escaped unsinged, even without discoloration ; and the result is the more remarkable from the fact that a safe of another manufacture which was exposed at the same time was, with its contents, almost entirely destroyed . Truly yours, &c, E. H. HADDOCK. LARGE FIRE ON LAKE STREET. [Letter from Barnum Brothers.] Chicago, III., October 24, 1857. C. L. Harmon & Co., Agents Herring's Safes, Chicago : Gentlemen — The contents of Herring's Safe used by Messrs. Barnum Brothers in store No. 110 Lake street, Chicago, which has just been dug from the ruiDs of the 110 herring's fire-proof safes. great fire which occurred on the morning of Monday, 19th October instant, were found in a perfect state of preservation. Tours, R. F. BARNUM, Surviving partner of Barnum Brothers. BURNING OF BLATCHFORD'S LEAD WORKS. Chicago, III., September 6, 1859. C. L. Harmon & Co., Chicago, Agents Herring's Patent Champion Safe : Gentlemen — During the disastrous conflagration of last night my lead pipe, sheet and bar lead manufactory, five stories in height and 55 by 100 feet on the ground, was completely destroyed and the walls nearly all fell. The Herring's Patent Champion Safe, siz^ No. 2, high folding-doors, which Collins & Blatchford bought of you some three years since, was in my office on the second floor of the manufactory, and fell some twenty feet into the basement, where it lay exposed to a very severe heat for ten hours. Upon recovering it from the ruins to-day and opening it I found all my books, papers, and money contained in it in a good state of preservation— the only damage to them being the drawing of the leather binding of the books and their being quite damp from the safe being Idled with steam from the fire-proof filling. The fire was of the most intense character, owing to the great height of the building and the fact that each story was in flames at once. I regard it as a most satisfactory test of the perfect fire-proof security afforded by Herring's Patent Champion Safe. Tours truly, E. W. BLATCHFORD. BURNING OF FULLER & CO.'S WHOLESALE DRUG WAREHOUSE-FIFTY- EIGHT HOURS IN THE FIRE ! ! ! Chicago, III., November 4, 1860. Messrs. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen — It gives us great pleasure to inform you that the Herring's Patent Champion Safe purchased from you a few years ago has just passrd through the fire whieli destroyed our store on the night of the 21st instant. Upon opening it we found all our books, papers, and money, in as good a state of preservation as when put in the safe, not a sign of fire on them, although it was not got out for fifty-eight hours after the fire comvnenced. We can cheerfully recommend your safes as being all they claim to be — the * Champion Safe of the world. 0. F. FULLER & CO. DESTRUCTIVE FIRE AT POLO. Polo, Ogle County, III., May 3, 1856. 'C. L. Harmon & Co., Chicago, Agents for Herring's Champion Safes : In October, 1855, I purchased of you a Herring's Patent Safe, No. 12,781. On the 22d of April, ult. , my store was entirely consumed by fire, but the Safe proved equal to the test, and my books, papers, &c, came out entirely safe. The budding was large, of wood, and filled with very combustible matter. The side of the build- ing in which the safe stood was filled with alcohol, spirits of turpentine, and oil, ren- dering the heat excessively great — so great, in fact, as to melt down cast and wrought iron, such as stoves, nails, cast-iron kettles. &c, into an undistinguished mass. I had but little hope that the safe could stand so severe a test, but was happy to find it equal to the emergency. Respectfully yours, JAMES C. LUCKEY. HERRINGS FIRE-PROOF SAFES. Ill LARGE FIRE AT GENESEO. Banking-house of Nourse, Blair & Co., | Geneseo, III., September 19, 1859. j Manufacturer of Herring's Safes : Dear Sir— This certifies that on the Gth day of February, 1859, our banking office was burned, and our safe, which was Herring's Patent, went through the fire and fell into the cellar, together with the burning timbers, where it remained many hours, until cool enough to be dragged out. Upon being opened the contents were found uninjured, and we now have the same safe in use. We recommend the Herring's Patent Champion to the public. NOURSE, BLAIR & CO. GREAT FIRE AT GALESBURG. Galesburg, III., June 2G, 1861. Messrs. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen — It gives us much pleasure to inform you that in the late destructive fire in this place, the Herring's Patent Champion Safe which we purchased a few years Since contained all our valuable books, papers, &c, which came out all right, and (with the exception of the binding of the books being curled by steam), in as good a state of preservation as when first put into the safe. We shall want another of larger size as soon as we get located. Yours truly, BARTLETT & JUDSON. FIRE AT ST. CHARLES. St. Charles, III., September 30, 1861. Messrs. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen — This is to certify that, in the late destructive fire on the night of the 28th instant, which destroyed the three-story building in which my store was located, I had one of your Herring's Fire-proof Safes. The safe remained in the fire from 9 o'clock P. M. until 6 o'clock A. M., when the books, money, and papers were removed in good condition, and perfectly legible, so that I have no trouble in settling with my customers any more than if it had never been through a fire. Respectfully yours, J. P. FURNALD. GREAT FIRE AT OTTAWA. Ottawa, January 23, 1866. Messrs. Herring Co., New York : Gentlemvn — I received a letter from your house requesting me to let you know whether there were any of your safes in our last fire. There was an old one of yours. It was in the second story, and as the building burned, fell through to the ground and lay there until the fire got low enough to pull it out. When it was cool enough the parties proceeded to open it, but finally concluded to cut the iron on the back and let the inside box out. They did so and found the steam and heat caused some papers to stick fast. But all came out safe. The length of time the safe was in the fire I could not say exactly. Yours truly, DAVID SANDERSON. 112 herring's fire-proof safes. INDIANA. FIRE AT PLYMOUTH. Plymouth, Ind., September 10, 1862. Messrs. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen — At the time of the very destructive fire which occurred here March 21, 1857, I had one of your fire-proof safes in use. I rolled it out in front of ray store ; the wind drove the flames directly upon it, only subjecting it to a blast or blow-pipe heat, which made the safe red-hot. Upon opening it, after it had become cooled, my books, papers, and money, which it contained, were perfectly preserved to my entire satisfaction. Respectfully youih, J. BROWNLEE. BURNING OF FIRST NATIONAL BANK AT SOUTH BEND. First National Bank, South Bend, Ind., May 24, 1865. Messrs. Herring & Co., New York : Gentlemen— On the night of the 25th ult. the building in which our bank was located (being a four-story building) was burned, and we were unable to get our safe out, so it went through the fire, there being some books, papers, and money, which all came out unburned. Now, my object in writing is to ask if the safe had not better be refilled or re- paired, in order to be safe in case of another fire. The safe is one of your make ; hence I have taken the liberty of writing you on the subject. It is one of your large safes. Very truly yours, JOHN T. LINDSEY, ■ Cashier. WISCONSIN. GREAT FIRE AT MILWAUKEE. Milwaukee, October 3, 1854. Mr. S. C. Herring, New York : Sir— Inclosed we hand certificates relating to your safes in the great fire in this city on the 24th August, which you are at liberty to publish. Yours respectfully, WILLIAMS, BONNELL & CO., Agents for Herring's Safes. THE FIRST SAFE. The first safe removed from the ruins was the property of Wm. E. Cramer, Esq., publisher and proprietor of the Daily Wisconsin. This safe was in the second story Plate No. 34. No. 8— Cabinet. 30 iu. high, 1 24 in. wide, [• Inside Measure. 15 in. deep, ) Buffet Sideboard. 3 ft. G'i in. high, 4 It. 8 in. wide, ^ Outside. 2 ft. deep, The heighth includes the wheels, which are 6 in. to 7 in. / herring's fire-proof safes. 113 of the Bank Buildings, and fell with the walls to the cellar. It was taken from the ruins twenty-six hours after the fire, with the contents in as good order as when put in. ANOTHER. Another safe, the property of Messrs. H. Bosworth & Sons, Druggists, fell with the floor to the cellar, and was surrounded with hricksand burning timhers twenty- eight hours, and when taken out the contents were in a good state of preservation — not a paper but was perfectly legible. ANOTHER. Another, the property of J. D. Gardiner, Esq., dry-goods merchant, was buried threefeet under the falling ruins among heated bricks and timbers. This safe contained a large amount of notes and other papers, and some bank-bills, all of which came out in first-rate order. ANOTHER. Another, the property of Haney & De Bow, hardware merchants, remained in the ruins thirty hours. The mass of bricks which had fallen under, over, and round it, was hot enough to set wood on fire long after the safe had been removed. When this lay in the ruins the heat was so intense that different kinds of iron were melted into one mass. The contents of this were preserved, but slightly injured by steam, as an engine had to play upon it full an hour before opening it. ANOTHER, AND TEST NO. 5. Another, and Test Number Five, a safe belonging to George E. H. Day, Esq., was in the second story of Dickerman's Block and fell with the walls to the cellar ; and for twenty hours after the fire was kept red-hot. The contents of this safe, when opened, were in the most perfect state of preservation. ANOTHER, AND TEST NO. 6. Another, and Test Number Six, was a No. 6 safe, belonging to Jason Downer, Esq., and was in the same building as the last (or No. 5), and fell to the cellar, where it remained thirty-six hours after the fire. The safe was brought to this city nine years ago by Win. H. Hull, and was among the first ever made by Herring. The ordeal through which this safe passed was such that the iron on each side was partly melted off, but the contents were wholly uninjured. TEST NO. 7. Test Number Seven was a safe owned by Rood & Goodrich, jewelers, &c, and contained from $5,000 to $<>,000 worth of jewelry, watches, and silver ware. It was located in the United States Hotel block. When opened, thirty-eight hours after the fire, everything — watches, earrings, silver spoons, &c. — was in good or- der, except a few pearl card-cases, a little tarnished by steam. 114 herring's fire-proof safes. We, the undersigned, certify that the statements above, in relation to our re- spective safes, are true. WM. E. CRAMER, "] H. BOSWt RTH & SONS, I J. DOWNER, HANEY & DE BOW, \ Milwaukee, Wis. J. D. GARDINER, ROOD & GOODRICH, GEO. E. H. DAY, ANOTHER GREAT FIRE AT MILWAUKEE. Milwaukee, January 22, 1861. Lansing Bonnell, Agent for Herring's Safes : Dear Sir — In the recent fire which destroyed the Milwaukee city offices were two of Herring's safes, one large one in the City Clerk's office, located in the fourth story, and a smaller one in the School Commissioner's room in the third story. We are happy to say, notwithstanding the safes fell so great a distance and were subjected to such an intense heat (the one forty and the other sixty hours), that the books and papers were in a first-rate state of preset vation. The only injury re- ceived was (he curling of the leather binding of the books by steam. We think if the reputation of Herring's Safes was not fully established before this lire that all now must he satistied that they are what they claim to be — fire- proof. The castors on one and the plates on the other were melted off. FRANCIS HURBSCHMANN, Acting Mayor. NELS( )N \Y EBSTER, President Board of Councilors. GEO. D. DOUSMAN, City Clerk. JONATHAN FORD, Superintendent of Schools. THE GREAT FIRE AT OSHKOSH. Oshkosh, Wis., May 27, 1859.. Messrs. S. C. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen — At the time of the recent large fire in the city of Oshkosh, which destroyed a large portion of the business street, the undersigned were each respect- ively the owners of Herring's Safe, and which were exposed to said fire, the build- ings in which they were kept for use being entirely destroyed by said fire. We take pleasure in saying that the entire contents in each of our respective safes were wholly preserved, and realized our most sanguine expectations as to the fire- proof qualities of Herring's Safes. GABRIEL BOUCK, C. PETERSLEA & CO., WHEELER & COOLAUGH, EIGHME, KENNEDY & HANCOCK, L H. COTTRILL, G. W. WASHBUKN. S. B. & S. A. PAIGE, Oshkosh, Wis., May 20, 1859. Messrs. S. C. Herriug & Co. : Gentlemen — On the night of the 10th instant, during the great conflagration which destroyed a large portion of our city, our store was entirely consumed ; but, fortunately, our books, papers, and considerable sums of money in bank-bills were in one of your Champion Safes, and, on opening it, we found them all per- herring's fire-proof safes. 115 feet and uninjured, after having been in the ruins fifteen hours in a heat that melted off the plates, &c, from the doors. Tours, &c, K. M. HUTCHINSON. BANK OF OSHKOSH. OsHKOsn, Wis., May 28, 1859. At the time of the late fire in our city we had in oar bank two of your safes of different sizes. The larger one we purchased in Buffalo for $375 ; the other cost $150. (We mention the cost that you may judge of the size.) These safes were both removed from the building before the fire reached us. The small safe was moved across the walk, eight ieet from the building, and received little or no injury. The contents were perfect as when put in The larger safe, being difficult to handle, was got out through the side of the building, falling upon the sidewalk, with the lower end of the safe probably within one foot of the building, where it was allowed to remain to the next A.M. The wind drove the flames continually on this SAFEwhile our building was burning. I am not satisfied in my own mind whether we increased or diminished the exposure of our large safe by moving it from the building and leaving it where we did. Nothing in the safe was destroyed. The leather-bound books we have got rebound, and continue to use them, they being now as good as before the fire. Everything in the safe was quite damp ; but, as I said before, nothing was destroyed. Respectfully, ANSEL W. KELLOGG, Cashier. LARGE FIRE AT WAUPON. Waupon, Wis., August 24, 1857. Mr. Lansing Bonneil, Agent for Herring's Safes : Dear Sir — The Herring's Champion Sife that I purchased of you was in my store at the time it was burned last March. The heat was so great that it melted off the brass plates and knob on the front of the safe. The door was warped so badly from heat that 1 was obliged to cut it open. But I am happy to say to you the contents of the safe were preserved to my perfect satisfaction. Yours, &c, Y. C. SNOW. FIRE IN BERLIN. Office of Reese & Williams, ) Wholesale and Retail Grocers, [ Berlin, Wis., March 30, 1861. Messrs. Herring & Co., Chicago : Gentlemen — Yours of the 25th instant is at hand. In regard to the safes that passed through our late fire, we would reply that there were but two in the tire. One of your make was in the hottest part of the ruins ami saved all its contents, about So, tOO in money and valuables, belonging to the American Express Company. The other was an old safe ; it bore no maker's name ; it was badly used up ; the books and papers inside were a little charred en the edges and covers. The Herring Safe is one of the smallest in size that is made, and was owned by D. H. Carhart, Agent American Express Company. Yours, &c, REESE & WILLIAMS. 116 herring's fire-proop safes. FIRE IN EAST TROY. East Tkoy, Wis., April 9, 1853. Mr. S. C. Herring : Sir — Some years since I purchased of you one of your safes. In March I was so unfortunate as to have my store burned ; but, through the instrumentality of your safe, my books and papers were preserved, and I feel proud to say that not a word or even a letter was defaced, or in any manner rendered unintelligible. I wish to procure another of the same kind as I shall never feel secure without one of your safes, and wish you to forward me one of your size No. 2, with box, at about $240. E. H. BALL. FIRE IN PORTAGE CITY. Portage City, Wis., September 26, 1861. Messrs. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen — Our iron foundry and machine shop were totally destroyed by fire on the morning of August 21. We were using one of your Patent Champion Safes. Aft er hauling it from the ruins and giving it time to cool we endeavored to unlock it, but the heat had disarranged the lock, and the door was so much warped we were compelled to break it open. Our books, notes, valuable papers, and money were entirely preserved; the only injury done was the removal of the leather covers of the books, which, we are informed, was done by the steam from the fire-proof composition. The fire was a very hot one. as the exterior of the safe shows, the brass ornamental plates and knob of the lock having been melted off. Some of our iron was melted and run into flakes as it would have been in a fur- nace. When a safe proves, as this one has, its claim to the title of lire-proof, we believe full justice should be done to the manufacturers. Yours respectfully, DEAN & SMITH. GREAT FIRE AT RACINE. Racine, Wis., January 29, 1866. Messrs. Herring & Co., 40 State street, Chicago, 111. : Gentlemen— In the lute destructive fire in this city I had one of your Her- ring's Patent Champion Safes of the smallest size, which was exposed to a very severe heat and came o ut all right, preserving my books and papers in as good shape as I would wish. There were two "Fire King "safes of larger size, which were not so much exposed, but were very badly scorched and not to be compared with mine . Please send me the safe at which 1 looked when in your store last week. Signed, F. HUBACHEK. IOWA. FIRE AT DUBUQUE. Dubuque, Iowa, January 7, 1859. Messrs. S. C. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen — I am requested by Mr. T. A. C. Cochrane, of this place, to say to Plate No. 35. Parlor Safe. 26 in. high, ! I in. wide, ■ li 15 in. deep, / Sideboard Silver Chest 31 in. high, , 47 in. wide, > Inside Measure, 17 in. deep, ) \ herring's fire -proof safes. Ill you that on the morning of the 4th instant, about 3 o'clock, his store took fire and the entire stock of goods was destroyed. The heat became so suddenly intense that none of the goods could possibly be saved ; but, fortunately , his books and pa- pers, which were in one of your Champion Safes, were all preserved perfectly. And well they may be called Champion, for during the whole conflagration there was one incessant pouring of flame directly upon the safe which contained them . And still, upon opening it, the inside was found to be scarcely warm, while the outside was severely scorched. Yours truly, N. A. McCLTJRE. FIRE IN IOWA. TED Dubuque, Iowa, May 28, 1859 United States Land Office, ) Messrs. S. C. Herring & Co., New York : Gentlemen— The Champion Safe which I purchased of you last season through N. A. McClure, Esq., your agent in this city, has just passed through as severer test as any safe will probably ever be subjected to in any conflagration. It was in j the center of my office, on the second floor of the " Old Fellows' Hall " building in this place, which was totally consumed night before last, and was exposed for a long time to the most intense heat, dropping finally into the cellar, where it was buried by the falling walls without being broken or crushed. Yesterday it was exhumed, still very hot, and I felt great anxiety to know its condition, containing, as it did, money to the amount of several hundred dollars, mostly in bank-notes, land warrants worth several thousand dollars, besides notes of hand and other valuable papers and books. This morning it was opened and, to my great satisfac- tion, all the papers, &c, were found uninjured and perfect in every respect. I heartily congratulate you, as the manufacturers, and myself, as the possessor, of that which may be truly and emphatically called a safe. Very respectfully your obedient servant, ALEX. D. ANDERSON, Register. FIRE AT DAVENPORT. Davenport, Iowa, July 29, 18G2. Messrs. Herring & Co., Chicago : Gentlemen— I am the owner of a safe manufactured by you. Said safe was in a Grain Elevator in this place, and which Elevator was burned some two months since. The safe came out in fine condition, the money and papers in a good state of preservation. The fire was one of the largest that ever occurred here and one of intense heat. We had to cut the door open (the lock being injured by the heat). Yours, &c, J. C. WASHBURN. MINNESOTA. GREAT FIRE IN WINONA, extending over ten acres and nearly destroying the town. Winona County Bank, Winona, Minn., July 26, 1862. Messrs. Herring & Co., Chicago : Gentlemen — We had one of your large size Herring's Patent Safes in the great i 118 herring's fire-proof safes. five of July 5, 1862, and our books and papers came out uninjured except the covers and binding of the books. Kespectfully yours, ANOTHER. WEBSTER & LAKE. Winona, July 12, 1862. Messrs. Herring & Co , Chicago : Gentlemen— I had one of your Fire-proof Safes in the large fire which took place here on the night of the 1th inst. It faithfully preserved its contents, consisting of books, papers, and jewelry. My soft solder goods even were not injured. I shall require another safe as soon as my new place is ready. Yours respectfully, GEO. L. BROWN. Jeweler. KANSAS. BURNING AND BOMBARDMENT OF OSSAWATOMIE. Ossawatomie, Kansas, December 20, 1856. S. C. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen — On the 30th of August last my office at this place containing the Herring's Patent Champion Safe, purchased of you last winter, was attacked and burned b) the Missouri Army, under Captain Reid. After the lire they att icked the sate and fired two cannon bills against it with- out effect, and 1 am pleased to say that the safe withstood the fire and the bom- bardment, and I have it now in use. Yours truly, 0. C. BROWN. BURNING OF THE CITY OF LAWRENCE. Lawrence, Kansas, September 18th, 1856. Messrs. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen— In answer to your inquiries we are happy to say that the safe we had in use at the time our city was destroyed and sacked by the rebels, August 21st, 1863, was a Herring's Patent Champion made by you. In the plundering of the town before the tire was started, the raiders entered our store and made a desperate attempt to force the safe with hammers, chisels, &c., breaking off the hinges. Bat all wis vain : the safe resisted the attempt to rob, and was ai't-rward. in the burning of the city, exposed to the hottest kind of fire. It is with confi- dence we state what has beJn acknowledged by all here who saw the safe and its contents after it was taken from the ruins, that no sife in the burnt district wis subject to more heat, if as much, as this was. The building which we occupied was framed of heavy oak timber, and the large quantity of agricultural imple- ments we had on hand created a he it of the most intense character. The safe was found in the ruins after two days' roasting, but everything it contained— books, papers, and money— was preserved in first-rate order, no injury whatever, except the cracking or steaming of the backs of the books. Yours respectfully. A. STORM & CO. herring's fire-proof safes. 119 COLORADO. THE GREAT FrEE AT DENVER CITY. Denver City, Col., April 21, 1863. Messrs. Herring & Co., Chicago : Gentlemen — On the 19th inst. a large fire occurred at this place, destroying a large amount of property. We had one of your safes in our store at that time, which was surrounded by about 500 gallons of coal oil, also a large amount of varnishes, turpentine, rosin. &c, which made a fearful fire. Our building and stock were entirely lost. All that we saved were our books and papers that were in the safe. When we opened it we found the contents in good condition, and the safe looks as if it would stand another just such a fire. Tours respectfully. E. T. CHEESMAN & CO. P. S. — Please send us another No. 5 Safe immediately, as we have sold our old one. ANOTHER. Denver City, Col., April 21, 1863. Messrs. Herring & Co., Chicago : Gentlemen— We take pleasure in informing you that, in the destructive fire which took place hereon the 19th inst.. our safe (one of your Herring's make) preserved all our books and papers and quite a large sum of money in a perfectly satisfactory manner, so that we are now using all of the same. There were some safes here of other makers in the same fire which did not turn out so well. We shall want another of your safes soon. Yours trulv, COOKE & BRO. CALIFORNIA. GREAT FIRE AT SAN FRANCISCO. MAY 4, 1850. [From the New York Tribune, June, 1850.] The Salamander Safe in California. — Mr. Silas C. Herring, the celebrated maker of the Salamander Safe, has received from California an interesting description of the late destructive conflagration at San Francisco and of the unequaled virtues of the '' Salamanders" on the occasion in a letter written, after a visit to the ruins, by Jacob L. Dodge, Esq.. late Alderman of the Ninth Ward of this city and nowa resi- dent of California. Mr. Dodge says : "After the fire was over I walked over the ruins aDd found everything in ashes, except here and there a Salamander Safe. There was not one of these which, when opened, did not turn out everything in as perfect order as when first put in. Some of them contained over $200,000 in gold dust, besides valuable papers, and one of them contained two gold watches, which came out in running order, marking the exact time ! Not only had the watches continued to run. but the other contents of these safes were entirely uninjured. This is justly- considered wonderful among the San Franciscans." The watches alluded to had 120 herring's fire-proof safes. been in the fire some twelve hours, during eight of which the safes were surrounded by red-hot cods. Mr. Dodge adds that having made some remarks commendatory of the Salamanders (judging of their virtues from his own previous experience), a bystander ridiculed the eulogiums he had passed upon them, offering at the same time a wager of a thousand dollars that everything in the safe in question was destroyed. Feeling so well assured (continues Mr. D.) from what I had seen and knew of the quality of the Salamander of my old friend Herring, I immediately turned to take the gentleman at his word ; but he now declined, being probahly convinced from my manner that he was in the wrong. In the meantime the safe had hecn taken from the ruins, and the examination immediately instituted showed that not an article contained in it was scorched. The result of the exami- nation was received with three cheers by about rive hundred spectators. Mr. Dodge adds that there were from eighty to one hundred iron safes (so called) in the fire, of which from twenty-five to thirty were of Mr. Herring's manufacture. All but the Salamanders were burned to ashes with their contents. This new test of the serviceable qualities of the Salamander Safe will give general satisfaction to those who have already experienced the benefits of this invention. A reputation has been established for them in the Gold Regions second only to that which they have so long enjoyed ehewhere. The Alia California, in its account of the fire of the 4th of May at San Fran- cisco, having spoken disrespectfully of the " Salamanders," made the following handsome retraction. [From the Daily Alia California.] San Francisco, May 7, 1850. Safes.— In the use of the word " Salamander," in an article touching Safes in yesterday's Alia, we did not intend it to apply to Herring's. We make this state- ment because we are informed that such a construction was erroneously placed upon the language. The word, as we used it, was a mere " figure of speech." San Francisco, Cal., May 24, 1850. Silas C. Herring, Esq., New York: Dear Sir— We have great pleasure in informing you (likewise we consider it a duty due to the public) that we had in use two of your safes in our building known as the " Empire,'' opposite Portsmouth square, fronting on Kearney street, during the late calamitous fire of the 4th instant, the particulars of which disaster will reach your city by mail per steamer Isthmus. The houses adjacent to the Empire were large ; and being constructed of wood, and the large quantity of combustible material contained in them, we entertained fears in regard to the "safety of the safes. Notwithstanding the ravages of the fire, they remained in the ruins, in consequence of the intense heat, about twelve hours before they could be removed. The largest contained gold and silver coin to the amount of $200,000, and the smaller one, packages of gold dust and sundry valua- ble papers. The coin was in no manner injured, nor even the papers scorched ; all were in perfect order. Under these trying circumstances and the great calamity that our city has experienced, we really feel grateful that we were i.i possession of two of your good and now thoroughly tested safes, which we consider are well worthy the attention and confidence of all. Respectfully yours, BUCKLIN & BOOKSTAVER. Plate No. 36. Buffet Sideboard Safe, with top. Inside. 28 in. high, 60 in. wide, 14 in. deep. Outside. 3 ft. 6 in. high, 6 ft. wide, 2 ft. deep. herring's fire-proof safes. 121 San Francisco, Cal., May 14, 1850. Silas C. Herring, Esq., New York : In conversation with our mutual friend, Mr. Jacob L. Dod^e, formerly of your city, the worthless condition of the so-called "Fire-proof Safes," which were destroyed in the fire of the 4th instant caused us, in company with him, to make a thorough examination of them ; and we found that, with the exception of your safes, they were perfectly worthless. We deem it but justice to you and to the public to make these facts known, and would say that you are at perfect liberty to publish this or use it in any way you think proper. With much respect, we are yours, &c, PAYNE & SHERWOOD, Auctioneers and Commission Merchants, 247 Montgomery street. GREAT FIRE IN SAN FRANCISCO. San Francisco City, Cal. Mr. Silas C. Herring : Sir — About two years since I purchased from you one of your safes, and in the great fire in this city, on the 4th of May, when our city was nearly destroyed, that safe was in my store and exposed to the fury of the flames, and was not recovered from the ruins for some days. It was on the first floor, and there were about 300 boxes of tin-plate in the same room. So hot was the fire that the tin-plate was partially melted, and each box became a solid niiss of metal. Yet, strange as it may appear, all the books, papers and money — in fact, everything that was in the safe, came out uninjured. I now require one of larger size, and consider them the best insurance, at the smallest premium, for every one that has papers of value to protect from fire. JAMES DE LA MONTANYA. FIRE AT SACRAMENTO CITY. Sacramento City, Cal., Tuesday, August 15, 1854. Silas C. Herring, Esq. : Sir — Early in 1852 we purchased at your store, No. 139 Water street, New York, one of your Patent Safes, and had some of our valuables and pipers preserved in it during the great fire of November 2, 1852 ; and that, though the safe stood in the second story of the building and fell through into the cellar, and remained there eight days among the burning ruins of one of the largest stocks of liquors and pro- visions in this city (viz., Messrs. Meeker & Co.'s), and having thus acquired unlimited confidence in its ability to protect its contents unharmed from any conflagration, we, accordingly, upon the breaking out of the fire of July 13, 1854, filled it with such of our books, papers, and other articles of value as were in our office — such as deeds, mortgages, notes, dental instruments, and daguerrean likenesses — and it proved true to its trust again, for it took its contents through the second fiery ordeal unharmed and uninjured. Feeling gratefui for its former services, we have had it painted up, and should we be again so unfortunate as to need its services, will trust to it implicitly and unhesitatingly. We write this supposing you have never heard of these incidents, and thinking the maker of such safes is entitled to a certificate of their good qualities. Respectfully yours, BOYD & DAVIS. 9 122 herring's fire-proof safes. GREAT FIRE IN STOCKTON. Stockton, Cal., June 12, 1865. Mr. S. C. Herring, New York : Dear Sir — We have now and have had for some time in our possession, in con- tinual use, one of your safes. This safe has been through three large fires ; the last one of which used it pretty roughly — melted one leg into a round, rough chuck clean off. But not a paper was hurt, and books and notes came out per- fectly clean and unhurt each time. We now use the safe for all our business, and consider it as safe as ever ; but it looks ugly, and we have thought that it would be the best advertisement in the world for you to have it standing in front of your office or manufactory, with the necessary affidavits from here what fires it has gone through and how well it stood the test. We remain, respectfullv yours, HOBE & WEIHE. CANADA. FIRE IN COLBORNE, MARCH 26, 1852. Colborne, Canada West, April 5, 1852. Silas C. Herring, Esq., New York : Dear Sir — Having had the misfortune to have my building burned, 26th March last, in which 1 had one of your safes, which was exposed to the most in- tense heat, so much so that the stoves melted ; and after removing the brick and getting the safe from the ruins, I found the temper out of the springs of the locks and some of the plate broken by the falling of the walls. Therefore, I have shipped it to you for repairs or to send me a new one in exchange. When it arrives, please write me what you can do with it in the shape of repairs, or how you wili exchange and give another for it, the same size. I have none at present, and would like to have one as soon as possible. I trust you will take into consideration that I was not covered by any insurance, and feel the want of another at as good terms as possible. Waiting your favors, I am your obedient servant, J. D. HAYES. ANOTHER FIRE AT COLBORNE, CANADA WEST. Colborne, September 15, 1854. Mr. S. C. Herring : Mr. Wood's store in this place was last night consumed by fire, in which was the safe hail of you containing all our books, papers, and money, and it was sub- jected to the most intense heat, so much so as to melt the hinges of the doors, and a keg of nails standing near was melted and ran into one solid mass. Asmoke or hot steam was seen issuing out of the safe, and all supposed it was the burning books. When the safe was taken out of the ruins, a crowd gathered round to see it opened, all expecting to see nothing but cinders ; hut, to their astonishment, every book and paper, and the money, came out perfect, as far as the paper and writing was concerned ; the steam had softened the glue of the covers ; but every- thing else was as good as new. I shall be in New York in a few days and get another. This is the second one of your safes that has been burned in the same building, both of which have proved true, and justly entitle your safes to be called the Champion. Yours, J. D. HAYES. Plate No. 37. Vault Doors. 6 ft. high, 2 ft. wide, in clear of door. Express Messenger Box. herring's fire-proof safes. 123 THE GREAT FIRE AT MONTREAL. [Extract from a Utter dated Montreal, June ( Mh, 1852.] Silas C. Herring : I send you two papers, by which you will see that we have been visited with a great conflagration, attended with a great loss of property ; most, however, was in- sured. One of your safes, belonging to the " Harbor Commissioners," was exposed to a most severe trial, being in the second story of a building over a ship-chand- ler's store, filled with rosin, pitch, tar, and other materials of the same nature ; and, in addition to this, the flames of eight or ten buildings were blowing in the direction of the safe, making, perhaps, one of the hottest fires that a Salamander was ever exposed to. It fell about thiry feet to the cellar, where it lay buried in the burning ruins about thirty hours over a hot fire. It was opened yesterday in the presence of several merchants and others, who were surprised to find the papers and bank bills all 0. K. This test has proved the fire-proof quality of your safes in this section of the country. The lock had to be broken, and the safe is useless, except as a specimen of security to all who want a good safe. Yours in haste, GEO. HAGAR. ANOTHER LARGE FIRE AT MONTREAL. {From the Montreal Herald, April 28, 1864.] Destructive Fire and Loss of Life. ^About nine o'clock yesterday morning a fire occurred in St. Nicholas street, by which the extensive paint and oil warehouses of Messrs. E. At water & Co. was entirely destroyed. * "" ° * When the safe was recovered, it was opened by the aid of a locksmith, and the books, papers, and a quantity of money were found perfectly safe. The safe was one of Herring's Patent. Montreal, April 27, 1864. Messrs. Herring & Co. , New York : At the great fire this morning, at Messrs. E. Atwater & Co.'s paint, oil, and varnish store, one of Herring's Patent Sites was exposed to a severe trial ; but, on opening the safe, the books, papers, and money were found all safe as usual. GEORGE HAGAR. FIRE AT MOUNT BRIDGES. Mount Bridges, July 4, 1855. F. B. Beddome, Esq., London, C. W., Agent for Herring & Co.: Dear Sir — I am sorry to inform you that my store, with the whole of the con- tents, furniture, clothing, &c. , was destroyed by fire last night. I saved nothing, You will remember I bought one of Herring's Safes from you last March, and I have much pleasure in informing you it stood the fire well ; it was perfectly red hot for several hours. The handles and brass plate both melted off and after haul- ing it out of the burning embers we had to pour water on it for nearly half an hour before it could be opened. You may fancy my satisfaction at finding my books mortgages, deeds, notes, and cash all right. I had a large amount of valuable papers in it, which, had I lost, would have completely ruined me. You will please send me another safe directly, and I will send yon the old one, that you may show it to all who may wish to have a perfectly fire-proof safe . I remain, dear sir, yours respectfully, J. W. EMERSON. 124 herring's fire-proof safes. FIRE IN LONDON. London, C. W., April 17, 1863. S IR We had the misfortune, on the 28th of December last, to have our store burned ; but were very fortunate in having one of your Champion Safes, which preserved our books and papers entire, free from injury. The fire was intensely hot, and it was supposed impossible for any safe to resist the heat ; but our books were as completely preserved as if they had not been in any fire. THOMAS FORBES & CO. HERRING'S SAFES IN FOHEION COUNTRIES. FIRE AT ST. THOMAS, W. I. New York, May 27, 1856. S. C. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen— Some four or five years since I purchased of you one of your Fire- proof Safes for my store in St. Thomas, which was burned in March, 1855, and I am happy to say my books and papers were preserved in the safe without material injury. I shall feel secure as long as I have one of your safes. JOSEPH RIDGWAY, Then of the firm of Whilmore Sf Co. GREAT FIRE IN JAPAN. DESTRUCTION OF A LARGE AMOUNT OF AMERICAN PROPERTY — JAPANESE ENGINES- -HERRING'S SAFES— SINGULAR PLAN TO CHECK A FIRE— A FOREIGN FIRE BRIGADE, ETC., ETC. [Correspondence of the Boston Traveller.] Nagasaki, Japan, January 6, 1860. On the morning of the 26th of December, the foreigners of Nagasaki awoke to find the places of two of our most prominent merchants burned to the ground — one being the premises of the American Consul at this port, comprising his offices, go- downs, and storehouses ; the other the property of Messrs. David Sassoon, Son & Co. (a prominent Parsee house), comprising their storehouses, godowns, and the pri- vate residence of their partner here, Mr. Ezekiel. The American Consulate hap- pily escaped, being in another part of the town The fire commenced near the premises of Messrs. Sassoon, and soon extended to their place— their building being all of wood and as combustible as possible. Their place being situated next to Mr. F. G. Walsh's (the American Consul), soon inclosed his in flames. The fire broke out about two o'clock A. M., on the 26th instant, in an unoccupied Japanese house, and was, without doubt, the work of an incendiary, (the punishment for which, in this country, is to be burned alive). The property lost is estimated to be about $150,000 by F. G. Walsh, and $250,000 by Messrs. Sassoon & Co. At seven o'clock A. M. every thing was burned to the ground. The Governor and suite were present, and also any quantity of Japanese ; the wooden engines, with a single action, throwing water by jerks about thirty feet. Also, a number of Japanese with huge fans, placed on the adjoining houses and fanning the fire to keep it away. The fire dresses of the officials, of which there were some thou- sands upon the ground, were of the utmost magnificence, and the whole scene of the flames, and the brilliant and splendid clothing of the Japanese, formed a pic- ture that must be witnessed to be appreciated. herring's fire-proof safes. 125 The safe of the American Consul (one of Herring's, New York) came out of the flames all right, with the exception of the lock being out of order, and it had to he broken open. All foreigners are now about to form themselves into a fire brigade, and to be prepared with axes. &c, to be ready in case of fire to assist one another. iclfrom the Straits Times of February A. \> hed at Singapore.] The American Consul's safe is all right. One of Herring's, New York, came out of the flames in fine order, although put to a severe test. GREAT FIRE AT BAEBADOES. Barbadoes, W. I., April 2G, 1860. Messrs. S. C. Herring & Co., Xo. 251 Broadway, New York : Gentlemen- — We forward by this vessel (the Icarion) one of your Patent Cham- pion Fire-proof Safes, which we imported through your consul here, the late Mr. Noble Towner, some eighteen months since. This safe was in our establishment during the awful fire of the 14th February last, and remained there more than forty- eight hours, until the whole building was totally consumed. An immense heat, coming from our own stores, as well is from a coal-yard with over three hundred tons of c >al, situated about twenty feet to windward of that part of the building in which the safe was kept, rendered it impossible for any one to approach the ruins at an earlier period. The- safe contained jewelry as well as the book which we send along with this. On opening the safe we found (as per certificate on the book, to which we ask reference) that the jewelry was only slightly tarnished and will be easily repolished. The book will show you the value of the safes for pro- tecting papers, &c. Your consul was present at the opening of the safe, and it is at his request we send it to you. His regretted death since this occasion precludes us from having his signature to the certificate. You can keep the safe to show your customers, and ship us another of the same size. You may retain the book and certificate and make any use you like of them. We remain yours truly, "BARROW & DUMMETT. BOMBARDMENT OF GREYTOWN. New York, October 25, 1854. S. C. Herring, 135 Water street : Sir — I was a resident at Greytown at the time of its destruction by fire in July last, when four buildings belonging to me, together with the whole town, were consumed, and very little of value was saved, except the contents of two of your safes ; one of them belonged to the Saranac House, and the other to Messrs. De Forrest & Co., both of which, after the fire, were opened in the presence of my- self aud many others, and the books and papers were taken out uninjured. 1 am yours respectfullv, BENJAMIN MOONEY. PORTO RICO. THE GREAT FIRE IN MAYAGUEZ. Mataguez, April, 1862. Messrs. Herring & Co. : Gentlemen— At the great fire in this place on the 11th March we had in use one of your Patent Fire-proof Safes. The safe remained in the fire until the following day, when we had it removed and opened. We are pleased to inform you that the interior of the safe and the papers which were in it were in excellent condition and uninjured by the fire. MICHELENA & CO. 126 herring's fire-proof safes. BXJRGL AR-PI^O OF. We are often asked the question — Are these safes burglar-proof? and invariably answer tbey are as much protection against the burglar as the price paid will admit. This is the most that can be said for aDy safe. Nothing is made by man that man cannot unmake ; and a safe made for books and papers only as a lire-proof protec- tion is not a lit receptacle for coupon bonds, government securities, or large amounts of money. The situation of a safe, the chances that burglars may have to work upon it undisturbed, the amount in money, bouds, or other valuable property that the burglar could realize on, are all important elements in its security against force or all the means that rogues can bring to bear. Within a few years back — in fact, since the great influx of paper money and securities — the highest amount of inge- nuity and talent to be found among the burglar fraternity has been stimulated and developed by the ease with which these securities are converted into money, so that it is now universally admitted that burglar-proof means protection for a certain length of time against such tools and means as a burglar can bring to bear ; that is, a safe may resist for one hour or for ten hours, just in proportion to its strength. But when our customers want protection for large sums, they must pay for more work, more labor, and more thickness of metal, and they can have just as strong a safe as they choose to pay for. Our Bank Safes and Bank Vault Doors are made of a combination of wrought iron, steel bars, and HERRING & FLOYD'S NEW PATENT CRYSTALLIZED IRON — the only metal now known which cannot be drilled by a burglar. The experiments and tests recently made with the patent crystallized iron have fully demonstrated its superiority to hardened steel, or chilled iron, as a drill- resistant, the peculiar formation of the grain of the iron being such that it will completely cut or grind off the point and edges of a drill. Our Burglar-proof Safes, and also our Fire and Burglar-proof Safes combined, are made with great care, finished in the best manner, and we believe them to be the mostcomplete and perfect protection now in the market. For a full description of their construction the public are referred to our "Bankers' Pampulet, " Our Combined Fire and Burglar, or Bankers' Safe is constructed by making two complete safes and placing one within the other — the outer safe is to protect from fire, the inside from burglars. This gives the purchaser double advantage. Against fire it is more secure, as the mass of metal comprising the burglar safe is put inside of the fire-proof lining (in place of outside, the ordinary way), and conse- quently removed from proximity to the tire, and cannot absorb and retain the heat as though exposed on the outside. Against burglars it is also much more effective, as there are two safes to get into, and the inside safe can never be operated on with the same facility that one could be outside. The inner chest is made from two to four inches thick, at the option of the purchaser, of wrought iron, steel bars, and the new metal, Spiegel-Eisen, or Pat- ent Crystallized IroD — the best protection against drilling or cutting tools yet dise covered. These chests are also furnished with combination locks without key or keyhole. The locks vary in price from 375 to $300. DWELLING-HOUSE SAFES, For Silver Plate, Valuable Papers, Ladies' Jewelry, fyc, fyc. The subscribers pay particular at'.ention to the manufacture of safes for Private Residences, and have a large assortment constantly on hand, at prices varying from $100 to $1,500. These safes are grained — oak, walnut, rosewood, mahogany, or any color preferred— to imitate furniture, at the desire of the purchaser. Sideboard and Parlor Safes of elegant workmanship and finish, with marble tops, &c. , made to resemble a handsome piece of furniture. Drawings of these safes, with their prices, will be given upon application. Plate No. 38, Bank Vault Doors. 6 ft. 6 In. high, , 2 ft. 4 in. wide, j in clear of door. Outer door 2£ in. thick, a combination of Wrought Iron, Steel Bars and Spiegel Eisen. herring's fire-proof safes. 127 OVER 30,000 HERRING'S FIRE-PROOF SAFES have been made and sold, and are now in use in every State and Territory of this country and among more than thirty different foreign nations. At the World's Fair, London, 1851, they were awarded the Prize Medal, as the best safe made in the world ; also at the Crystal Palace, New York, 1853, they car- ried off the first prize. They have been similarly honored by the State Fairs of New York, Pennsyl- vania, Michigan, Virginia, Missouri ; also by the American Institute, New York ; the Franklin Institute, Philadelphia; the Metropolitan Institute, Washington city. And wherever they have been placed for competition they have been universally acknowledged to be the best article of the kind ever manufactured. THE GREAT ATTEMPTED BANK ROBBERY AT THE NEW YORK EX- CHANGE BANK. Herring's Safe foils the burglars and saves $500,000. New York, March 27, 1861. Messrs. Herring & Co., No. 251 Broadway: Gentlemen — You have already been well informed through the columns of the daily papers of the desperate attempt made upon our money vault and the fire and burglar-proof safe made by you for our bank a few years ago. Although our vault was very strongly built and provided with heavy doors and the best of locks, the attempt upon the vault was successful. The rogues succeeded in undermining the vault by digging a tunnel some seventy feet long under the adjoining building and terminating at the base of the vault itself. Here they commenced their operations upon a large scale, and, after removing the front part of the heavy stone foundation, which was strongly laid in cement, they reached the large flag-stone which formed the floor of the vault. This stone was broken by means of a Jack-screw of great power, and the interior of the vault thus reached. Your safe now became the great point of attack ; and bravely did it resist every effort, holding secure its entire trust (property amounting to $500,000) against all the tools and ingenuity of the burglars. The first great aim seemed to be to drill into the safe ; but, although some thirty holes were made in the outer casing, the hardened iron forming the center lining turned the point of every tool. Disappointed here, they now attempted to dissect the safe and endeavored to force the strong framework apart. After remov- ing one bar and partially cutting off another they gave this up ; and all further operations proved unavailing. Our confidence in your safe has been reassured; and we would further add, for the benefit of the public and to your credit, that, had they even succeeded in getting through the outer casing or shell of the safe, which they did not do, three more thicknesses of metal still remained ; and each of these, in our opinion, would have given them more trouble than the single one by which they were so completely foiled. When the great resources of these burglars are considered, the opportunity to work/ro?« Saturday night to Holiday morning, the great number of the best of tools in their possession, and the skill and ingenuity displayed, we have reason to feel proud of your safe. We wish you to send the large safe purchased by us at your store to our new banking house in Greenwich street ; and as soon as we get moved you shall have the old one as a trophy. S. VAN DUZER, President of the New York Exchange Bank. 128 herring's fire-proof safes. DESPERATE ATTEMPT TO EOB THE KENT NATIONAL BANK, KENT, OHIO. Failure of the Burglars — They could not drill the Spiegel Eisen. On Saturdaye veiling, the 3d of November, our bank was entered by burglars. The office of the bank being without an occupant, they had undisputed possession, and, I have no doubt, employed their time uninterruptedly till morning, in efforts to reach the treasure of the bank. But, thanks to the protection afforded by one of your Burglar-proof Safes, which on this occasion proved to be impregnable, they were foiled. The outside, or fire-proof door of the safe was drilled and blown open. They then commenced on the burglar-pooof, and after knocking off the dial of the lock, and knob that throws the bolts, they attempted to drive the lock off, but without success ; they also used wedges and a heavy sledge, but failed in all. They left be- hind them a large assortment of tools, consisting of two crowbars, a heavy sledge, wooden mallet, two steel wedges, and a variety of chisels. Having occasion to be at my office (which is connected with the bank) at about 11 o'clock A. M. on Sunday, I made the discovery of the aforesaid visitation and failure to open the burglar-proof part of the safe, although they had knocked off the dial-plate to the lock and otherwise disfigured and abused the safe, which pre- vented any one but a skillful operator or a practical manufacturer of safes and leeks to open the sale. r lhe necessities of the case were plainly presented, and we lost no time in dis- p itching an agent to Cleveland to procure a proper person to open our safe. Call- ing at your agency, no suitable person was found. We then applied to another house in the safe business, who very kindly furnished us a practical manufacturer of safes, a person who understood the science and the manufacture of locks and sales to perfection. He arrived, and, with the assistance of two of the most powerful men in the village, (quarrymen, who were famous for heavy strokes with the sledge-hammer), operations were commenced at 10.1 o'clock A. M. on Monday, and the work con- tinued unceasingly till 8 o'clock P M., when they became too tired to work longer, and adjourned. The next morning at about ~\ o'clock the work was again resumed with the same help, and at 11 A. M. success attended our efforts, and we again had the pleas- ure of knowing that our property was safe. Had it been placed in a less powerful sale, the tables would have been turned in favor of the robbers. Mr. H. A. Kent, of the house of Kent & Co., of your city, has instructions to arrange with ) r on for a new safe. Tours truly, MARVIN KENT, President Knit National Bank. Kent, Ohio, November 17, 1866. To Messrs. Herring, Farrel & Sherman, New York. The public are invited to call and see the above safes, which are now on exhibi- tion at our store, 251 Broadway, New York. These safes are manufactured only by HERRING, FARREL & SHERMAN, 251 Broadway, New York. FARREL, HERRING & CO., 629 Chestnut street, Philadelphia. HERRING & CO , 40 State street, Chicago. HERRING, FARREL & SHERMAN, 72 Camp street, New Orleans. BURGLARS OPERATING In the vault of the New York Exchange Bank. (See page 127.) HEREIXG S FIEE-PEOOF SAFES. 131 LATER TESTIMONIALS. GREAT FIRE AT MOBILE . Mobile, Ala. , December 20, 186,6. Messrs. Herring. Farrel & Sherman, 251 Broadway, New York : Gentlemen — The fire of December 3d, which destroyed our store, severely test- ed the Patent Champion Safe of your manufacture which we had in use. The contents were all preserved iu excellent condition, although the safe was severely roasted. We take pleasure in adding this to your numerous testimonials of their previous triumphs. Respectfully yours, LEVY, WOOLYERTON & CO. ANOTHER EXTENSIVE FIRE IN MOBILE— AX ENTIRE SQUARE WAS BURNED. Mobile, Ala., February 18, 1867. Messrs. Herring. Farrel & Sherman, New York : Gentlemen — My store was totally consumed by the great fire on Saturday night, February 9, which destroyed nearly a whole square of buildings in the center of the business portion of our city. I had one of your Patent Champion Safes in use. On Sunday I reached it and found it too hot to open. I left it in the ruins to cool until Monday, when I got it open. The money, papers, and books, with other contents, were preserved in excellent condition. The covers of the books were drawn by the steam ; otherwise they have no appearance of having been through one of the largest and hottest fires that ever took place in Mobile. Every word and line is perfectlv legible, and I am more than pleased with the result. FERD. NEUMANN, Agtnl. GREAT FIRE AT WILLOUGHBY, OHIO. Willoughby, Ohio, January 24, 1867. Messrs. Herring, Farrel & Sherman : Gentlemen — At what price can you send me a No. 7 safe ? I had one of yours' about a No. i I think, that just went through a thirty-sis-hour fire, and all my books came out safe. Can you use the old one at some price ? Please answer at once. Yours truly, W. H. MERRIAM. 132 herring's fire-proof safes. GEEAT FIRE AT WELLSVILLE. herring's safe ahead of all others. Wellsville, N. Y., February 18, 1867. Messrs. Herring, Farrel & Sherman, 251 Broadway, New York : Gentlemen — On the morning of the 1st of February our town met with a severe calamity; twenty-four buildings were burned to the ground. Our grocery store— a frame building three stories high — was consumed by the devouring flames. We had one of your Champion Fire-proof Safes in use, containing our books and papers and some bank bills, all of which came out unharmed. Although your safe was surrounded by very combustible liquids, a quantity of kerosene oil on the south side of it, and a considerable quantity of linseed, lubricating and whale oils on the north side of it; also nine or ten barrels of brandies and other liquors in close proximity to it, with nothing but a wood partition between these and the safe, all of which were burned around it. Your Champion Safe owned by us was subjected to a fire three times as terrific and twice the length of time as the safe of another make, owned by York and Chamberlain, and our books came out in better condition than theirs. Yours truly, JUDD & CO. We, the undersigned, fully concur in the above statement. Hoyt & Lewis. Bankers. W. T. Barnes. P. M. R. & J. Doty. Henry L. Jones. THE GREAT FIRE IN VICKSBURG, DECEMBER 24, 1866. Yicksburg, Miss., February 8, 1867. Messrs. Herring, Farrel & Sherman, New Orleans : Gentlemen — Agreeably to promise made your agent, Mr. Green, I proceed to im part to you such information in regard to safes lately in the fire here as I could obtain. I have learned of two of your safes which came out all right, and without any damage. Safes of other makers were burned, so a repairer of safes informed me (he has them now in his shop), but he could not tell me whose patent they were. Since my return from the city I have but little time to be on the street ; this must be my excuse for my meagre repoVt. Yours very respectfully, SAMUEL FISCHEL. With J. HCRNTHAL & CO. Many additional testimonials might be introduced where the Herring Safe has triumphed in furnace tests over other safes, as in New York, Philadelphia, Reading, &c. ; but as the public are most interested in the actual results of accidental fires— where manufacturers can have no control, and as suspicion will always attach to pre- meditated trials ; we confine the record of our Herring Safe to such evidences as must prove most conclusive and satisfactory to all who have books and valuables to protect from fire. Plate No. 39. - herring's fire-proof safes. 133 SONG OF HERRING'S CHAMPION SAFE. Yes ! well may ye gaze on rny iron sides, And well may ye murmur praise ; Like a victor mailed, I have safely passed Through the thunder and the hlaze ! On the hero's brow ye may hind the palm, To his fame ye will sound the lyre ; Then how refuse a wreath to the power That has conquered the Fiend of Fire ? Ha, ha ! how I laughed when the demon flames That had swept from roof to floor Threw their wild, red arms around my waist, And howled before my door ! For the gorgeous wealth they had shriveled up Wherever their red feet pressed Was nought to the wealth that they knew I held In the folds of my fearless breast. The merchant gazed, in his terror white, When he saw them around me curled. When at last the crackling beams and walls Were over me wildly hurled; But I thrilled next morn to behold his joy- Ay ! thrilled with an honest pride- When he opened my door and found the deed And the bill safe side by side ! For the brain that evoked my being sought The secrets from sea and earth, And together bound their glorious powers Before I could leap to birth. Like the gems that the jealous genii guard, In the depths of the deep-blue sea, Those secrets were hid from the eye of man Before they were joined in me ! Then well may ye gaze on my iron sides And well may ye murmur praise ; Like a victor mailed, I have safely passed Through the thunder and \he blaze ! On the hero's brow ye will bind the palm, To bis fame ye will sound the lyre ; Then how refuse a wreath to the power That has conquered the Fiend of Fire T HERRING *H « If SALESROOMS, n>3"o- QS X IB r o £i