Work Trumpet
Work Trumpet
Previous
Next
Usage conditions apply
- 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 plated copper work trumpet was used during the 19th century. The shaft has two rounded bands with rings protruding from each band that allowed for a cord to be attached to the trumpet.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Object Name
- trumpet, speaking
- date made
- unknown
- maker
- unknown
- place made
- United States
- Physical Description
- brass, plated copper (overall material)
- Measurements
- overall: 16 3/4 in x 6 1/2 in; 42.545 cm x 16.51 cm
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0863
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0863
- Credit Line
- Gift of CIGNA Museum and Art Collection
- See more items in
- Cultural and Community Life: Fire Fighting and Law Enforcement
- Work
- Cultures & Communities
- 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.
Note: Comment submission on our collection pages is temporarily unavailable. Please check back soon!
If you have a question or require a personal response, please visit our FAQ or contact page.
