Tann & Sons, a trailblazer in Britain’s safemaking industry, began their journey in an era of burgeoning security needs. Beyond just making safes, they revolutionized the industry, reflecting the dynamic changes in British commerce and setting enduring standards.
Their legacy goes beyond the physical safes, embodying resilience through economic and technological shifts, and challenges from notorious heists.
To discover the captivating story of Tann & Sons and their lasting impact in the safemaking world, continue reading this intriguing journey of innovation and adaptability.
Key Takeaways
- Tann & Sons was a trailblazer in the British safemaking industry.
- Their growth reflected the evolution of security needs during Britain’s industrial expansion.
- The company remains influential in modern safemaking, adapting to contemporary challenges.
In This Article
Timeline History of Tann & Sons Safes Company
| Year | What Happened Then… |
|---|---|
| 1790 | Edward Tann starts making iron chests in Crown Street, Moorfields, London. |
| 1814 | Edward Tann and his son, also named Edward, establish a manufactory at 1 Hope Street, Hackney. |
| 1842 | George Tann, Edward’s son, begins his own business at 18 Hope Street. |
| 1843 | Invention and patenting of the “Reliance” lock. |
| 1845 | Transition of the company to John Tann Ltd. |
| 1851 | Exhibition of their first fire-proof safe at the Great Exhibition, Crystal Palace. |
| 1870 | Expansion to additional premises at 37 Hope Street. |
| Early 1900s | Defiance company, associated with George’s heirs, ceases trading and sells goodwill to John Tann in 1917. |
| 1900 | Fourth generation, John and Edward Tann, take over the business. |
| 1965 | Integration into Clayton Dewandre company, later acquired by the Stratford Safe Company. |
The Story of Tann & Sons
The founding of Tann & Sons is deeply embedded in British history, marking them as one of the pioneering safe manufacturers within the broader history of safes. Their legacy, which began with a singular focus on security and craftsmanship, is a source of pride for the company.
The Tann Family Legacy (1790-1814)
The story of Tann & Sons begins with the Tann family1, where a passion for security and engineering was a prominent family trait.
In 1790, Edward Tann started making iron chests in Crown Street, Moorfields, London, marking the inception of what would become a storied legacy in safe-making. Edward, the founding father of the company, was more than just an inventor; he was a visionary who recognized the importance of protecting people’s valuables. This vision was materialized when Edward Tann and his son, also named Edward, established a manufactory at 1 Hope Street, Hackney, in 1814.
The family’s unwavering commitment to excellence in safe-making quickly became the hallmark of Tann & Sons, laying the foundation for a reputation that would endure for generations, as evidenced by their continuous growth and innovation in the field.
Early Beginnings and Incorporation (1814-1843)
In the early 19th century, specifically in 1814, Edward Tann, along with his son, laid the groundwork for what would become Tann & Sons. This significant step began in a modest workshop, focusing on creating strongboxes that were distinguished by their quality and durability.
In 1842, George Tann, Edward’s son, further expanded the family business by beginning his own venture at 18 Hope Street. The formal incorporation of the company as “Tann & Sons” symbolized not just a legal milestone but also a commitment to delivering unparalleled security.
This era was also notable for the rapid developments in safe-making technology. William Marr’s patent in 1834 was quickly followed by Charles Chubb in 1838, and Thomas Milner in 1840.
Edward Tann also made his mark in 1843. It’s the birth of the “Reliance” lock, a testament to the company’s innovative approach. These innovative locking mechanisms, which were significantly ahead of their time, highlighted the company’s pioneering spirit—a trait that has been a consistent thread throughout Tann & Sons’ history.
Transition and Innovation (1845-1870)
In 1845, a pivotal moment occurred with the transition of the company to John Tann Ltd., symbolizing a new era of leadership and expansion.
This period was marked by innovation, most notably in 1851, when Tann & Sons showcased their first fire-proof safe at the Great Exhibition in Crystal Palace (more on that here).
This event was not only a significant achievement for the company but also a landmark moment in the history of safe manufacturing, demonstrating Tann & Sons’ commitment to innovation and excellence.
Expansion and Growth (1870-1900)
The year 1870 saw further growth for Tann & Sons as they expanded to additional premises at 37 Hope Street. This expansion reflected the increasing demand for their high-quality safes and their growing reputation as a leader in the safe-making industry.
A Century of Leadership and Legacy (Early 1900s-1965)
The early 1900s were a time of consolidation and leadership transition. In 1900, the company witnessed the takeover by the fourth generation, John and Edward Tann, ensuring the continuation of the family’s legacy in the industry.
However, in 1917, a significant development occurred when the Defiance company, associated with George’s heirs, ceased trading and sold its goodwill to John Tann. This acquisition not only solidified Tann & Sons’ position in the market but also marked the end of a notable chapter in their history.
The End of an Era (1965)
The culmination of this era came in 1965 when Tann & Sons underwent another major transition. The company, which had started as a family-owned business, became part of the Clayton Dewandre group. This marked the end of the Tann family’s direct management of the business, yet their influence and legacy continued to resonate in the industry.
Each of these milestones showcases the dynamic nature of Tann & Sons’ journey, reflecting their adaptability, innovative spirit, and enduring commitment to quality and security in the world of safe manufacturing.
Famous Heists and Security Breaches
In the storied past of Tann & Sons, the company has witnessed some brazen heists and significant security breaches that tested the mettle of their safes and reshaped their approaches to safe-making.
Notorious Criminal Attempts
- 1884, The London Heist: A notable incident occurred when cracksmen attempted to drill into one of Tann & Sons’ premier safes at a renowned London bank. Despite their efforts, the safe held firm, successfully securing its contents and thwarting the thieves2.
- 1932, Birmingham Blunder: Another notable attempt took place when a gang, armed with nothing more than grit and sledgehammers, targeted Tann & Sons’ safes. Their endeavor ended in failure, as they left empty-handed, unable to breach the safe’s defenses.
Advancements in Security Post-Breaches
- Post-1884 Reinforcements: Following the London Heist, Tann & Sons enhanced the drill-resistant materials in their safes’ doors and walls. They incorporated a patented composite that effectively thwarted similar future attempts, thereby strengthening the safes’ resistance to such breaches.
- Post-1932 Overhaul: After the Birmingham Blunder, Tann & Sons undertook a significant redesign of their safes. They introduced a multi-tumbler lock system, which significantly elevated the difficulty of forceful entries, further solidifying the security of their products against such attacks.
Legacy and Influence
Tann & Sons’ impact on the safemaking industry was profound and lasting. Throughout the century, their commitment to quality, innovation, and security left an indelible mark on the industry.
Their safes, known for withstanding both time and challenge, were a testament to the family’s dedication and expertise.
The story of Tann & Sons, therefore, transcends the production of safes; it represents a family’s unwavering dedication to securing valuables and setting industry standards that would resonate well into the future.