Peace and Liberty Fire Bucket
Peace and Liberty Fire Bucket
Previous
Next
Usage conditions apply
- Description
- This hand-sewn bucket, dated 1784, is painted with the image of two hands clasped in friendship, a common motif in the material culture of firefighting. The image of the handshake symbolizes the cooperation and community effort that were essential in early firefighting. In the eighteenth century, when this bucket was made, firefighting was the responsibility of all able-bodied members of the community. It was necessary for everyone to provide equipment and to participate in the bucket brigades. Engine companies worked side-by-side with ordinary citizens to extinguish a fire. Surrounding the image of the handshake is a circular chain, another symbol of cooperation and strength through unity. It is possible that this bucket belonged to the Hand-in-Hand Fire Company of Philadelphia. The Hand-in-Hand was founded in 1742, and its members included some of the important professional, civic, and religious leaders of the community.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Object Name
- bucket, fire
- date made
- mid 19th century
- maker
- unknown
- Physical Description
- leather (overall material)
- stitiched by hand (overall production method/technique)
- Measurements
- overall: 12 1/4 in x 8 1/4 in; 31.115 cm x 20.955 cm
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0298
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0298
- Credit Line
- Gift of CIGNA Museum and Art Collection
- See more items in
- Cultural and Community Life: Fire Fighting and Law Enforcement
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
Nominate this object for photography.
Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.
If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.
