Work Trumpet
Work Trumpet
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- 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 and nickel work trumpet was used during the 19th century. The body of the trumpet is brass with two flat nickel bands wrapped around the upper and lower sections of the shaft. Two decorative eagle heads have rings in their beaks allowing 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 (overall material)
- nickel (part: bands material)
- Measurements
- overall: 18 1/2 in x 7 in; 46.99 cm x 17.78 cm
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0877
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0877
- Credit Line
- Gift of CIGNA Museum and Art Collection
- See more items in
- Home and Community Life: Fire Fighting and Law Enforcement
- Cultures & Communities
- Work
- Firefighting Collection
- Speaking Trumpets
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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