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 J.H. Tillinghast of Providence, Rhode Island during the middle of the 19th century. The trumpet is unadorned with thin molded bands where the mouthpiece and the bell attach to the shaft. The bell has a simple inscription that reads “J.H. Tillinghast/ PROVIDENCE R.I.” A cord is tied to the neck of the trumpet to form a handle. The Tillinghast family is one of the oldest in Rhode Island.
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 presented to Henry K. Woodruff by the Independence Hose Company of New York in 1862. The trumpet is divided into three sections with two rings that allow for a cord to be attached. The trumpet bears an inscription that reads “Presented by Independence Hose Company, No. 3, New York, to Foreman Henry K. Woodruff 1862.” The Independence Hose Company No. 3 was organized on November 19, 1832. Woodruff was the foreman of the Independence Hose Company from 1862 until the company disbanded in 1865.
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 speaking trumpet was presented to the Union Steam Fire Engine Company by the Frankford Arsenal during the 19th century. The trumpet is engraved with flowers and leaves, with a scalloped bell rim engraved with leaves around the edge. A brass shield is in the center of the shaft, and bears an inscription that reads “Union S.F.E. Co. of Frankford Arsenal." Two miniature eagle heads attached to the shaft hold rings in their beaks. Frankford Arsenal was a United States Army munitions plant near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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 speaking trumpet was presented to the Washington Fire Engine Company by the Jovial Club of Paterson, New Jersey in 1860. The trumpet is engraved with ivy and flowers around the entire trumpet and has an inscription inside an oval cartouche framed by tree branches. This inscription reads, "Presented by the Jovial Club of Paterson, N.J. to Washington Fire Engine Company No. 3, February 22, 1860." The braided orange cord with tassels is attached to the trumpet by rings in the shape of fire hats. In September of 1862 many members of the Washington Fire Engine Company formed Company A in the 25th Regiment of the New Jersey Volunteers.
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 trumpet was presented as a trophy to Thomas Mullen for winning a half-mile foot race during the late 19th century. The trumpet features a raised floral motif, with an engraved image of a hose reel on the bell. The trumpet has two rings that are strung with a braided orange cord with tassels. There is an inset cartouche with the inscription “Won by/ Thomas Mullen/ of Jackson Engine Co./ No. 4/ at the/ Olympic Circus/ Paterson, N.J./ 1/2 mile Foot Race/ Time 2 min. 38 sec.” Fire companies would often meet at community gatherings to compete in a variety of physical contests, including foot races in order to demonstrate their fitness as firefighters.
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 presented to the Norristown Hose Company by James Ernest of the Hope Engine Company. The trumpet has two rounded bands along its shaft. Decorative eagle’s heads hold rings in their beaks through which a braided brown cord is strung. A small shield shaped plaque in the center of the trumpet bears an inscription that reads “Pat Lyon / 1776 / Presented to the Norristown / Hose Co. No. 1 / By James Ernest / June 21 1880 / Hope Engine Co. No. 2 / Williamsport, Pa." The Norristown Hose Company was founded in 1848 and continues to operate in Norristown, Pennsylvania with both career and volunteer firefighters.
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 trumpet was presented to George W. Erb of the New York City Fire Department during the second half of the 19th century. The horn is engraved with floral and foliage designs and features an oval cartouche with the inscription “Presented / to / Captain George W. Erb / by the / Ladies of St. Rose's Fair.” Two small fire hats with rings are attached to the shaft, which allowed a cord to be strung from the rings. Erb was promoted to the position of foreman and assigned to the Hook and Ladder Company No. 7 of the New York City Fire Department.
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 presentation speaking trumpet dates to the 19th century. While made to be a presentation trumpet, it bears no engravings and was never used as such. The shaft of the trumpet has a scaled pattern with a floral band at the top and bottom of the shaft. The bell has two engravings of a work helmet surrounded by a garland on opposite sides of the bell, and circular cartouches that are surrounded by crossed hooks, ladders, and fire lamps on opposite sides of the bell. One of the cartouches has an engraving of a steam engine while the other is blank, presumably for a personalized inscription. A braided blue cord is strung through two rings attached to the trumpet’s 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 metal speaking trumpet was in use in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania around 1838. The trumpet has two rounded bands on the upper and lower portion of the shaft. Two rings protrude from the rounded bands that would have been strung with a cord to create a handle or strap. There is an inscription in the center of the trumpet that reads “United States Hose Co. / 14 / Chief Director.” The United States Hose Company Number 14 was located on 423 Buttonwood Street in Philadelphia. The company was organized in 1826 and operated until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established.
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 trumpet was likely presented to the Weccacoe Hose Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by the Ramblers Club No. 1. The silver trumpet is divided into three sections, with an inscription on the center section that reads “Presented to / Weccacoe Hose Co. / by the / Ramblers Club No. 1 / May 2nd 1852.” A leather strap is attached to the trumpet by two rings. The fire company was organized on January 8, 1842 and operated until 1854 when it was shut down by city council for fighting. Rambling clubs began in the 19th century as a way for people to escape the industrializing city and walk around nature.
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 silver plated speaking trumpet dates to 1852. The lower and upper section of the trumpet is plated in silver. There is a braided red cord with tassels that is strung through two rings along the trumpets’ shaft. There is a silver shield-shaped plaque attached to the trumpet that bears the inscription “Presented Sept. 20, 1852/ To the New Jersey Co. No. 4/ By a friend A.N.B.S./ For the use of the carriage.”
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 trumpet was presented to John J. Rowe by the Ossining Hose Company of New York in 1886. The trumpet’s bell has engraved images of a hook and ladder truck, a steam engine, a pair of crossed ladders with fire helmet, and a hose reel vehicle all framed inside an oval cartouche. The trumpet’s center section is decorated with a floral motif overall, with an inscription inside a floral garland frame that reads “Presented to/ John J. Rowe/ by/ Ossining Hose Co/ 1886.” The upper section of the trumpet has an engraving of a crossed ladder and bucket. There are two small fire helmets with rings on the trumpet’s shaft, allowing for 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 brass speaking trumpet was presented to the Vigilant Engine Company of Paterson, New Jersey in 1879. The trumpet is adorned with a variety of repoussé patterns and engravings. The trumpet is decorated with a floral motif, with shell designs around the rounded bands of the trumpet. The bands are decorated with raised ovals that encircle the shaft. The bell has a raised image of a crossed hook and ladder behind a work helmet. A shield-shaped insert on the center of the shaft bears the inscription “Presented/ to/ Vigilant Engine Company No. 6/ of Patterson NJ/ at the/ Annual Fair/ of/ Wilis St. Baptist Church/ April 1879.” Above the shield are two axes, two swords, and a belt. A braided red cord is tied to the top and bottom of the trumpet to create a strap. The Vigilant Engine Company was founded on January 1st, 1867.
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 trumpet was presented to John A. Gross of the Kingston Fire Department Hose Company in 1872. The trumpet was manufactured by the Meriden Britannia Company of Meriden, Connecticut. The trumpet is engraved with a floral motif and a floral and leaf garland frame the inscription “Presented to/ John A. Gross/ Chief Engineer of/ Kingston/ Fire Department/ Hose Co. No. 2/ June 1873.” The trumpet’s shaft has two protruding rings, allowing a cord to be attached to create a strap.
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 white metal speaking trumpet was presented to the William Penn Hook and Ladder Company of Stockton Township, New Jersey by the William Penn Hose Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The trumpet has two flat bands wrapping around the shaft. Two rings are connected to the shaft that allowed a cord to be attached to the trumpet. The lower section of the trumpet has an engraving that reads “Presented/ BY THE/ Wm. Penn Hose Co./ OF PHILA./ To The/ Wm PENN H&L Co/Stockton Township Camden Co. N.J. 1887."
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 presentation trumpet belonged to the Washington Engine Company of Paterson, New Jersey during the early 19th century. The trumpet is engraved with a floral motif overall. Two twigs form a frame around the inscription that reads “Washington Engine Co. No. 3 Paterson, N.J. Organized July 4, 1826.” A gold braided cord with tassels is strung through two rings that are attached to the trumpet’s 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 silver plated presentation trumpet was made during the 19th century. The bell of the trumpet is fluted with floral images engraved around it. Just above the bell is an engraving of a steam engine inside a diamond frame. The center section has a diagonal banded design with ladders and floral engravings. Two rings protrude from the shaft of the trumpet that would have allowed a cord to be attached to the trumpet.
In the nineteenth century, volunteer fire companies often commissioned paintings to decorate their hand-pumped fire engines for parades, competitions, and community events. Sometimes framed with elaborate carvings, they adorned the tall air chamber located at the middle or rear of a pumper. The paintings would often feature patriotic, heroic, or allegorical images to associate the volunteer companies with these lofty ideals.
This engine panel painting came from the Lexington Fire Engine Company No. 7 of New York City. The volunteer company was active from December 26, 1849 until September 18, 1865. The painting was signed by artist M. Betsch, and was completed around 1849. The painting is the artist’s interpretation of the skirmish between the American militia and British troops on April 19, 1775 on the Lexington Green. This military engagement is characterized as the first battle of the Revolutionary War. The Lexington Fire Company used this painting to link their company to the patriotic deeds of their predecessors. This painting and its companion piece (object 2005.0233.0301) would have adorned the sides of the company’s engine.
In the nineteenth century, volunteer fire companies often commissioned paintings to decorate their hand-pumped fire engines for parades, competitions, and community events. Sometimes framed with elaborate carvings, they adorned the tall air chamber located at the middle or rear of a pumper. The paintings would often feature patriotic, heroic, or allegorical images to associate the volunteer companies with these lofty ideals.
The painted cartouche is attributed to the Lafayette Hose Company No. 22 of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that was active from 1833-1871. The fact that the painting is small and circular indicates that it may not have been a fire engine panel, and could have been used for a funeral procession honoring Lafayette after his death. Lafayette was highly respected due to his military service in the Continental Army and the role France played in winning the Revolutionary War. He was greeted with parades and celebrations on his return to the United States in 1824, and many fire companies participated in funeral processions upon his death to honor his contribution to the founding of the nation.
In the nineteenth century, volunteer fire companies often commissioned paintings to decorate their hand-pumped fire engines for parades, competitions, and community events. Sometimes framed with elaborate carvings, they adorned the tall air chamber located at the middle or rear of a pumper. The paintings would often feature patriotic, heroic, or allegorical images to associate the volunteer companies with these lofty ideals.
The Weccacoe Fire Engine Company No.19 of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania commissioned this panel from John Woodside around 1840. The Weccacoe Fire Company was organized in 1800 as a hand engine company. It acquired a steam fire engine in 1859, which was replaced in 1864. It operated as a steam fire engine company until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established. This painting of the “Mermaid and Her Lover,” is likely a representation of the tale of Clytia the water nymph and her love for the god Apollo. Fire companies used neoclassical imagery to link their companies to the ancient ideals that the paintings depicted, in this case eternal love and loyalty. The use of neoclassical images also allowed artists to paint an idealized nude female form that would make their beloved engine especially eye-catching during parades.