Martens Kluis Deur Plaat (Safe Door Plate)

Name: Martens Kluis Deur Plaat (Safe Door Plate)
Brand: Rene
Availability: LimitedAvailability

Martens Doetinchem Holland safe door plate, red and silver metal with a rampant lion emblem - view 1

1/3

Uncommon (5/10)

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QUICK FACTS

DESCRIPTION

A circular metal plaque, possibly cast iron or a similar heavy metal, with a raised silver-colored border and lettering on a textured red background. The text reads 'MARTENS DOETINCHEM HOLLAND' and features a stylized rampant lion emblem on the lower half. The plaque has three mounting holes, suggesting it was affixed to a surface, likely a safe or vault door. The design is industrial yet decorative, indicating its purpose as a branding or identification plate for a manufacturer.

CULTURAL ECHOES

Where This Object Echoes

Industrial designEarly to mid-20th century

The aesthetic of durable, functional branding plates was common across various industries, from agricultural machinery to vehicles, emphasizing reliability and origin.

Dutch HeraldryHistorically to present day

The rampant lion is a central figure in the coat of arms of the Netherlands, Dutch provinces, and cities, representing strength, courage, and Dutch identity. Its use here reinforces a sense of national pride and steadfastness.

Ritual & Ceremonial Use

•The 'ritual' of securing valuables: Products like this plaque played a part in the societal need and cultural practice of protecting wealth and important documents, a fundamental aspect of financial stability and security.
•Corporate branding: The act of affixing a branded plate to a manufactured good is a long-standing practice, creating visual identity and fostering trust in the product among consumers.

Meaning Through Time

Mid-20th Century

During this period, such plates often conveyed a sense of robust, physical security and national industrial pride, emphasizing craftsmanship and local origin.

Contemporary

Today, these plaques are collected as nostalgic artifacts, representing a bygone era of overt industrial branding and the tangible history of security technology.

HISTORICAL STORY

Martens Safes (Martens Kluizen) was a prominent Dutch manufacturer of safes and vaults, particularly active in the 20th century. Doetinchem is a city in the eastern Netherlands. Such plates were a common way for manufacturers to brand their high-security products, serving both as a mark of origin ...

DID YOU KNOW?

Before the standardized use of digital security, elaborate and robust branding plates like this one reinforced the perceived strength and trustworthiness of a safe, often featuring national or heraldic symbols.

The city of Doetinchem, where Martens was based, has a long industrial history, contributing to various manufacturing sectors in the Netherlands.

MATERIAL & CONDITION

Surface

The front surface features raised, polished silver-colored metal against a recessed, textured red background. The reverse side is rough and unpolished, indicative of a casting process, with remnants of paint or surface treatment.

Weight & Feel

Based on the appearance of cast metal and its likely function, the object appears substantial and heavy.

Condition

The plaque appears to be in excellent condition, with minimal visible wear, scratches, or paint loss on the front. The reverse shows some discoloration and surface irregularities typical of an unfinished casting, but no significant damage. This aligns with the 'Nieuw staat' (new condition) assessment.

RARITY ANALYSIS

Uncommon70-80%

CommonLegendary

Genuine antiques with fewer examples on the market. Named makers, documented provenance, or early production examples.

Typical Characteristics

Limited production
Named makers
Growing collector demand

ESTIMATED VALUE

$100 - $300

Updated: Jan 14, 2026

Market comparables from auctions & retail
Condition, completeness & craftsmanship
Current collector demand & trends
Low = quick sale, high = patient seller

For informational purposes only, not a formal appraisal.

CONTEXT ANALYSIS

How your provided context compares with Curiosa.com scanner findings.

What Aligned

User's identification 'Martens kluis deur plaat' aligns perfectly with the explicit branding and design visible on the plaque.
User's specified origin 'Nederland' aligns with 'HOLLAND' and 'DOETINCHEM' printed on the plaque, and the use of a rampant lion.
User's '1965' time period is plausible for the style and apparent manufacturing techniques.
User's 'Nieuw staat' (new condition) aligns with the remarkably well-preserved appearance of the plaque.
User's note 'Van de Nederlandse bank in Amsterdam' provides plausible provenance for an item from a safe manufacturer.