Pie safe

[4] A common pie safe is made of wood, is around the same size as a large bureau, and is approximately 18 inches (46 cm) deep.

The holes in the tin are often punched to produce an image such as a simple shape, or something more intricate like a church scene, eagles, and stars, or even a Masonic emblem.

These items of furniture were considered utilitarian, as opposed to decorative, and were often coloured dull red, referred to as gros rouge.

[5] Many San Francisco homes built during the Victorian and Edwardian era (1890-1930) had built-in pie safes, known locally as "California coolers".

These took the form of small pantries, typically off the home's kitchen, that were vented to the outside to keep contents at a stable temperature due to the city's generally cool weather.