The salamander safe. A millerite preparing for the 23rd of April

A playful caricature of a Millerite, an adherent of the Adventist preacher William Miller who predicted that the world would end on April 23, 1844. The man sits in a large safe labeled "Patent Fire Proof Chest," stocked with a ham, a fan (hanging on the door of the safe), cheese, brandy, cigars, ice, a hat, and a small book marked "Miller." As he thumbs his nose, he says "Now let it come! I'm ready." The "salamander safe," probably a trade name of the period, is named after the animal mythically reputed to have the ability to endure fire (and, presumably, the holocaust) without harm.
Entered . . . 1843 by T. Sinclair Pa.
Printed by Thomas Sinclair, Philadelphia.
The Library's impression of the print was deposited for copyright prior to the expected day of reckoning, on March 2, 1843.
Title appears as it is written on the item.
Murrell, p. 159.
Weitenkampf, p. 73.
Forms part of: American cartoon print filing series (Library of Congress)
Published in: American political prints, 1766-1876 / Bernard F. Reilly. Boston : G.K. Hall, 1991, entry 1843-5.