Work Trumpet
Work Trumpet
Previous
Next
- Description (Brief)
- As more American volunteer fire fighting companies began to form during the late 18th century, a need emerged for better organized efforts in combating conflagrations. Engineers and officers would use “speaking trumpets” to amplify their voices over the noise and commotion of a fire scene to direct the company in effectively fighting the blaze. Two trumpet variants are reflected in the collection: plain and functional “working” trumpets that were actively used at fires, and highly decorated “presentation” trumpets. Presentation trumpets were awarded to firefighters in honor of their service, or between fire companies during visits, competitions, and musters.
- This brass speaking trumpet was likely used during the second half of the 19th century. There are three raised bands around the shaft with minor beading around each band. There are two plain cord rings attached to the shaft. The trumpet shows signs of wear and has a few dents around the shaft.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Object Name
- trumpet, speaking
- date made
- unknown
- maker
- unknown
- place made
- United States
- Physical Description
- brass (overall material)
- Measurements
- overall: 17 in x 6 1/2 in; 43.18 cm x 16.51 cm
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0853
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0853
- Credit Line
- Gift of CIGNA Museum and Art Collection
- See more items in
- Cultural and Community Life: Fire Fighting and Law Enforcement
- Cultures & Communities
- Work
- Firefighting Collection
- Speaking Trumpets
- 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.
