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.
This brass fire engine plate was used by the Delaware Fire Company No. 4.. Founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1761, the company was originally named for King George III. The name was changed at the start of the Revolution to the Delaware in 1776. The company operated as a hand engine company and acquired a steam fire engine in 1858. It served as a steam fire engine company until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established. The rectangular brass plate has black recessed lettering that reads “DELAWARE 1761.” The plate has been mounted on to a wooden board for display.
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