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.
This trumpet was made by Hirsbrunner in Sumiswald, Switzerland around 1800 to 1825. It is a G circular trumpet made of brass with an F crook, lead pipe, and mouthpiece. This compressed trumpet model, known as a stopftrompete, has a tuning slide in the center of the coil similar to a cor d’orchestre of the period.
The Hirsbrunner firm was founded by Christian Hirsbrunner in the late 18th century. The company continued with Hirsbrunner family members and still makes musical instruments to this day.
This trumpet was made by an unknown maker in England around 1825 to 1827. It is an F slide trumpet made of copper and brass with silver garnishes and a heavily chased silver ball. The trumpet features a double clock slide spring mechanism.
This trumpet was previously owned by Philadelphia composer and musician John T. Norton, a Professor of Trumpet at the Royal Academy of Music, who emigrated from London to the United States in 1827. W.G. Armstrong in his book, A Record of Opera in Philadelphia, indicates Norton’s first appearance in Philadelphia was at the King’s Theatre. Norton also performed with traveling opera troupes in New Orleans and New York.
Circular bell- or trumpet-shaped caster cover with ball-and-urn finial that is pierced with ogival arches and small circular holes. Inward curved collar is struck on one side with a lion passant facing left and a raised "g" in clipped-corner shields, and on the other with a small incuse "4".
