Fire Engine Plate, "Columbia"

Description (Brief):

At the core of any fire company is the apparatus used to fight fires and protect lives. This was particularly true of for the volunteer fire fighters in 19th century America. Often purchased with their own funds, their fire engines were the focus of their pride and affection, as well as their identities as fire fighters. Engine plates, often made of brass, would be prominently affixed to engines and inscribed with the company name, number, and founding date. Engine plates could pass from old engine to new, or be kept in the firehouse as a memorial to a departed apparatus.

Description (Brief)

This metal plate was used by the Columbia Hose Company No. 8 of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Founded in1806, the company operated until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established. This rectangular plate with scalloped corners bears the text “COLUMBIA” in black block shadowed letters. The initials “R A” are inscribed in script below “Columbia.” The sides of the plate have holes with bolts in them, showing where the plate would be attached to the engine.

Date Made: 19th century

Maker: unknown

Location: Currently not on view

Place Made: United States

Subject: Fire Fighting

Subject:

See more items in: Home and Community Life: Fire Fighting and Law Enforcement, Cultures & Communities, Work, Firefighting Collection, Fire Engine Plates

Exhibition:

Exhibition Location:

Credit Line: Gift of CIGNA Museum and Art Collection

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: 2005.0233.0919Accession Number: 2005.0233Catalog Number: 2005.0233.0919

Object Name: plate, fire engine

Physical Description: metal (overall material)Measurements: overall: 2 1/4 in x 8 in; 5.715 cm x 20.32 cm

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746ac-a795-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_1347129

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