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 tin work trumpet was made around 1800. The metal trumpet is painted yellow, but the paint has chipped and flaked in many places. Two small rings on the top and bottom of the shaft would have been used to attach a cord 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 trumpet was presented to John M. Nesbitt of the Hibernia Fire Company by the Insurance Company of North America. The trumpet has decorative bands around the bell’s rim and the upper and lower portion of the trumpet. The bell also features a decorative band with a floral motif. The middle portion of the trumpet has an oval inset featuring high relief of a helmed Greek figure shown in profile view. There is a winged horse on the figure’s helmet and the oval inset is surrounded by decorative floral engravings. The other side of the trumpet has a diamond-shaped silver inlay with an inscription that reads “Presented by the Insurance Company of North America to John M. Nesbitt Esqr. of Hibernia Fire Company, Philadelphia.” A brown braided cord is attached to the trumpet by rings that are held by eagles’ beaks. John Maxwell Nesbitt was the first President of the board of directors for the Insurance Company of North America in 1792, as well as a member of the Hibernia Fire Company.
This trumpet was made by Christian Wittmann (died ca. 1807) in Nuremberg around 1781-1807. It is an E-flat natural trumpet made of brass with one coil and brass ferrules and ball decorated with engraved lines. This trumpet is engraved:
Plain, raised hemispherical bowl on a flared or trumpet-shape pedestal atop a square base with applied sides. Applied beading at rim and at top and bottom of pedestal. One side of base is struck "C.Wiltberger" in raised roman letters in a conforming surround. Square piece of wood inserted into bottom of base is adhered with a large cloth label printed "SHIPP. / ACC." and a smaller paper label inscribed "345".
Maker is Christian Wiltberger (1766-1851) of Philadelphia, PA; working by 1793 (when partnership with Samuel Alexander dissolved) until 1817.
Small inverted trumpet shape lidded flagon engraved on front "=M-H=" above a pointed-bottom, scalloped shield containing an illegible design; no spout. Flat lid with applied disk on top; inside of lid has three concentric circles. Angular strap handle has beaded, angled tab thumb piece and cast pendant drop at the lower terminal; five-knuckle hinge. Plouk or pimple inside body below rim indicating capacity level. Face of handle struck with a checkered octagon and clipped-corner rectangle containing the raised serif letters "MH" over an ewer or pitcher in a basin. Bottom center appears to be replaced with one bearing the pot touch of a rose.