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.
The bronze engine plate belonged to the Hibernia Fire Engine Company No. 1 of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania which was established in 1752. The arched plate has the text “HIBERNIA” engraved in wide letters that are filled with black enamel. The reverse is engraved with the text “VIGILANT” in large letters that are filled with black enamel. The Vigilant Fire Company No. 3 was established in 1760. The sides of the plate have holes showing where the plate would have been attached to the engine. The Hibernia Fire Engine Company No. 1 was one of Philadelphia’s largest and oldest companies, and used several different engines and apparatus during its history.
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 silver engine maker's plate features several engraved names of the manufacturers and decorators who contributed to the creation of the unknown engine to which this plate was originally affixed. The rectangular plate reads: “John Agnew, Builder 1850 / Edmund Young, Painter / John A. Woodside, Ornamentalist / Robert S. Smith, Carver / Milton F. Harrison, Engraver/ James R. Hatrick, Plater / Committee / Benj. A. Watkins, John J. Dallas / Wm. Felt, Sam'l Lenoir, Wm. H. Gibson.” John Agnew was a well-known maker of hand-pumped fire engines in Philadelphia during the middle of the 19th century, and painter John Woodside was acclaimed for his decorative paintings, especially those he executed on fire engine panels.
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.
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 used by the Pennsylvania Fire Company in active duty during the 19th century. The plain trumpet has three bands, and the lowest band has a ring attached to it. The ring allowed a cord to be attached to the trumpet. The trumpet bears the inscription “Pennsylvania Fire Company” which was likely based in the city of Philadelphia. The Pennsylvania Fire Company No. 22 was organized in 1806 and in 1839 withdrew from active service in protest due to the rioting of the other fire companies.
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 trumpet was used by the Rapid Hose Company of Kingston, New York during the 19th century. The trumpet has three raised bands around the shaft with minor beading around the bands. Two rings are connected to the shaft that allowed a cord to be attached to the trumpet. There is an inscription on the lower section of the trumpet that reads “Rapid Hose Co. 1.”
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 presentation trumpet was made in the United States during the 19th century. The upper part of the trumpet’s shaft features an engraved fleur de lis pattern. The center part of the trumpet’s shaft has two oval cartouches; one is blank while the other features an engraved image of two crossed fire hooks and ladders. There is a sunburst and floral pattern engraved between the two ovals. The trumpet’s bell has an engraved image of a steam fire engine set inside a floral frame. A repeating floral pattern links to the next floral frame which has an engraved image of a spider-type hose reel inside. A blue cord with tassels is attached to the trumpet through two rings.
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 nickel plated speaking trumpet was used by the Director of the Excelsior Hose Company during the 19th century. The trumpet has two raised bands around the lower and upper parts of the shaft. There are two decorative eagle heads protruding from the shaft with rings in their beaks that could be strung with a cord to create a strap or handle. There is a shield shaped emblem in the center of the shaft that bears the inscription “Excelsior Hose Co./ Directors/ Horn.”
The traditional American leather firefighter’s helmet with its distinctive long rear brim, frontpiece, and crest adornment was first developed around 1821-1836 in New York City. Henry T. Gratacap, a New York City luggage maker by trade, is often credited as the developer of this style of fire helmet. Gratacap created a specially treated leather helmet with a segmented “comb” design that led to unparalleled durability and strength. The elongated rear brim (also known as a duckbill or beavertail) and frontpiece were 19th century innovations that remain the most identifiable feature of firefighter’s helmets. The body of the helmet was primarily designed to deflect falling debris, the rear brim prevented water from running down firefighters’ backs, and their sturdy crowns could aid, if necessary, in breaking windows.
This leather helmet dates to the 19th century. The helmet has eight protective combs with an ivy-vine scrollwork pattern stamped into the brim. The helmet has a metal eagle’s head as a frontpiece holder, with a metal ring attached to the top of the helmet’s crown. The black leather frontpiece is missing a variety of letters, but originally read “ENGINEER/1/NEWTON.” The helmet originally belonged to Engine Co. 1 of Newton, Massachusetts, whose fire department organized in 1812.
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 metal trumpet was presented to the Lafayette Hose Company around 1865. There are engraved designs on the trumpet’s shaft and bell, and three medallions attached to the bell with one in the trumpet’s shaft. The medallions around the bell include two profile images of helmeted Greek or Roman figures and a classical front-facing female. A medallion on the shaft has a profile image of a helmeted Greek or Roman figure. Two eagles’ heads protrude from the shaft with a place in their beaks for rings. There is an inscription in the center of the shaft that reads “Presented to the LaFayette Hose Company Oct. 16, 1865 by their friends [illegible].”
The traditional American leather firefighter’s helmet with its distinctive long rear brim, frontpiece, and crest adornment was first developed around 1821-1836 in New York City. Henry T. Gratacap, a New York City luggage maker by trade, is often credited as the developer of this style of fire helmet. Gratacap created a specially treated leather helmet with a segmented “comb” design that led to unparalleled durability and strength. The elongated rear brim (also known as a duckbill or beavertail) and frontpiece were 19th century innovations that remain the most identifiable feature of firefighter’s helmets. The body of the helmet was primarily designed to deflect falling debris, the rear brim prevented water from running down firefighters’ backs, and their sturdy crowns could aid, if necessary, in breaking windows.
This leather helmet dates to the 19th century. The helmet is painted white, and has eight combs. The date “1811” is painted on the back brim of the helmet. This helmet’s frontpiece holder is in the form of a greyhound dog. The frontpiece is missing from this helmet, making an association with a particular company difficult.
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 plain brass speaking trumpet dates to the first half of the 19th century. The trumpet has traces of red paint and the bell bears the inscription “CHA's. M. BARTLESON.” Charles M. Bartleson was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1795, and served as a captain of the shipping line that ran from Liverpool, England to Philadelphia.
The traditional American leather firefighter’s helmet with its distinctive long rear brim, frontpiece, and crest adornment was first developed around 1821-1836 in New York City. Henry T. Gratacap, a New York City luggage maker by trade, is often credited as the developer of this style of fire helmet. Gratacap created a specially treated leather helmet with a segmented “comb” design that led to unparalleled durability and strength. The elongated rear brim (also known as a duckbill or beavertail) and frontpiece were 19th century innovations that remain the most identifiable feature of firefighter’s helmets. The body of the helmet was primarily designed to deflect falling debris, the rear brim prevented water from running down firefighters’ backs, and their sturdy crowns could aid, if necessary, in breaking windows.
This leather fire hat was made by Cairns & Brother of New York, New York around 1849. The helmet is painted black with eight combs and decorative embossed scrollwork around the helmet’s brim. The helmet’s frontpiece is painted black and originally read “ENGINE/5/LFD,” but some letters are missing. The helmet once had a metal frontpiece holder at the front, which is now missing.
The traditional American leather firefighter’s helmet with its distinctive long rear brim, frontpiece, and crest adornment was first developed around 1821-1836 in New York City. Henry T. Gratacap, a New York City luggage maker by trade, is often credited as the developer of this style of fire helmet. Gratacap created a specially treated leather helmet with a segmented “comb” design that led to unparalleled durability and strength. The elongated rear brim (also known as a duckbill or beavertail) and frontpiece were 19th century innovations that remain the most identifiable feature of firefighter’s helmets. The body of the helmet was primarily designed to deflect falling debris, the rear brim prevented water from running down firefighters’ backs, and their sturdy crowns could aid, if necessary, in breaking windows.
This leather fire helmet was made by J.C. Johnson & Company of San Francisco, California in the late 19th century. The twelve comb helmet has a crown painted white and red, with a brown brim embossed with an ivy-vine design. The San Francisco Fire Department mandated color-coded helmets, and hook and ladder companies wore red and white helmets like this one. A leather eagle frontpiece holder is mounted on the crown. The brown leather frontpiece has a white number “5” in the center with a crossed hook and ladder behind it. In a banner at the top of the frontpiece are the initials “SFFD” in white leather.
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 work trumpet dates to the 19th century. The unadorned trumpet has two bands around the upper and lower portions of the shaft. Two rings hang from the shaft, allowing a cord to be attached the trumpet. This mouthpiece has become detached from the trumpet, and the shaft is engraved with the initials “PLC.”
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 silver plated horn was presented to the Delaware Engine Company by the Paulding Assembly, likely the town government of Paulding, New Jersey, in 1865. Floral patterns are engraved and in low relief around the trumpet. In the center of the trumpet there is an inscription that reads “Presented/ to the Delaware Engine Company No. 4/ by the Paulding Assembly/ Oct. 16, 1865.” Two rings are gripped in an eagle’s beak that would allow a cord to be attached to the trumpet.
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 presentation trumpet dates to the middle of the 19th century. The shaft has a floral design in the shape of an oval frame with an open space in the center for an engraving. The bell has a floral band with four ovals spaced evenly throughout. Two of the ovals have an engraved image of crossed trumpets behind a fire helmet, and two ovals are blank. A braided tan cord is attached to the trumpet through two rings protruding from the shaft.
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 tin trumpet was presented to William Weeks of the Washington Engine Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from the Washington Club of Boston in 1832. The upper portion of the trumpet is constructed of tin, and the bottom of the trumpet is polished brass. There is an inscription on the brass section that reads “From the Washington Club of Boston / to Wm. Weeks Esqr. / of the Washington Engine Co. Philadelphia 1832 / Go on Washee." The name “Washee” (also “Washy’s”) is the nickname of the Washington Engine Company No. 14, organized in 1796. It operated as a hand engine fire company and acquired a steam fire engine in 1865. The company served as a steam fire engine company until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established. A volunteer fireman and member of the city militia, William Weeks was a printer and publisher by profession.
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 painted tin speaking trumpet was used in active duty during the early 19th century. The horn has been painted white with a red semi-circle on the horn. A black number “1” with a black circle around it has been painted on the shaft of the horn. The bell has gold painted text that reads “Fire Ward/ G.L.S./ Pawtucket/ R.I.”
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 silver plated toy speaking trumpet was manufactured during the late 19th century. The trumpet has a braided beige cord that is tied to the trumpet next to the mouthpiece and the bell. The plain silver trumpet has a pseudo hallmark stamped into the shaft. British hallmarks served to denote the maker, date, purity of silver, and other information about a sterling silver piece. The mark on this trumpet does not correlate to any known maker, meaning they were likely done by an undocumented American maker to imitate the British marks.
The traditional American leather firefighter’s helmet with its distinctive long rear brim, frontpiece, and crest adornment was first developed around 1821-1836 in New York City. Henry T. Gratacap, a New York City luggage maker by trade, is often credited as the developer of this style of fire helmet. Gratacap created a specially treated leather helmet with a segmented “comb” design that led to unparalleled durability and strength. The elongated rear brim (also known as a duckbill or beavertail) and frontpiece were 19th century innovations that remain the most identifiable feature of firefighter’s helmets. The body of the helmet was primarily designed to deflect falling debris, the rear brim prevented water from running down firefighters’ backs, and their sturdy crowns could aid, if necessary, in breaking windows.
This white leather fire helmet dates to the second half of the 19th century. The eight comb helmet has a metal eagle frontpiece holder attached to the top of the crown. The white frontpiece has a red star and red banners that read “2nd ASSISTANT/ENGINEER/C.C.F.D.” in white leather letters.