This trumpet was made by Klemm & Brothers. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. around 1879 to 1891. It is an F natural trumpet made of brass brass, with a double coil and bell garland. This trumpet is stamped:
KLEMM & BRO. PHILAD
This is a standard military trumpet, made according to Specification No. 38, dated February 15th, 1879, “Specifications for Trumpets,” Quartermaster General’s Office, War Department:
“For all foot troops -- To be the same as standard sample brass trumpet ’F,’ two (2) coil, and with two (2) mouthpieces. When complete, with mouth-piece in, to weigh about twelve and a half (12 ½) ounces, and to measure about sixteen (16) inches in length, and about four and a half (4 ½) inches in width at center. Diameter of bell to be about four and a half (4 ½) inches.”
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 Firemen’s Exempt Association by the Liberty Steam Fire Engine Company, both of Paterson, New Jersey in 1890. The three sections of the trumpet are connected by bulging bands with decorated engravings. The upper section of the trumpet has a floral engraving. The center section of the trumpet has an oval cartouche containing an inscription that is surrounded by floral engravings. The inscription reads “Presented by Liberty S.F.E. Co. No. 7 to the Firemen’s Exempt Assoc. 1890, Patterson, N.J.” The bell of the trumpet has an engraving of a fire engine that is surrounded by floral engravings. An orange braided cord with tassels is attached to the trumpet by rings going through miniature fire helmets. The Firemen’s Exempt Association was a group formed to foster camaraderie between volunteer firemen after they had ceased participating in active duty, and fraternal visits between active fire companies and veterans groups were common practice in 19th century fire service.
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 Ringgold Hose Company of Newburgh, New York in 1896. The trumpet is decorated with geometric patterns, a paisley design on the rim, semi-circle cartouches around the bell, and an oval cartouche in the center of the shaft. One cartouche has an inscription that reads “Many Happy Days.” Two cartouches on opposite sides of the bell feature an engraved image of two crossed ladders and a crossed fire axe and hook all behind a fire helmet. The cartouche on the shaft has an inscription that reads “Presented to the Ringgold Hose Co. of/ Newburgh NY/ by the Volunteer Fireman's Association/ of Philadelphia Dec. 25, 1896.” Above the inscription are two fire nozzles spraying water with two crossed hooks and ladders all above a fire helmet. Two rings are held in the beaks of eagles that are attached to the shaft.
This trombone was made by Henderson N. White in Cleveland, Ohio in 1898. It is a B-flat tenor slide King model trombone, serial #3293. This trombone is a highly engraved silver-plated trombone, probably one of the first ten made by H.N. White. The trombone is engraved:
This trombone was made by Otto Pollter in Leipzig, Germany, late 1890s. It is a tenor valve trombone made of brass and German silver. There are Decorative snakes on the end of slide. This trombone is engraved:
O. Pollter & Co. Leipzig
This trombone was previously owned and used by trombonist Edward A. Williams, who purchased this trombone in Leipzig in 1900. Williams was a member the Sousa Band, 1892-1917.
Tiffany Glass & Decorating Company, or Tiffany Studios
ID Number
CE.96433
catalog number
96.433
accession number
30543
maker number
x 1228 (etched)
Description (Brief)
Favrile glass. Blue glass body; Form: Lower half is trumpet shape expanding above the waist to a slightly bulbous top with short large cylindrical neck. Decorated with stripes up and down like grass leaves; iridescent surface. Purchased from Charles Tiffany, $25.00.
This ribbon commemorating the seventh annual Excursion of Washington Engine Company No. 1 of Morristown, New Jersey to Paterson, New Jersey was made by the Whitehead & Hoag Company of Newark, New Jersey in 1898. The tan ribbon has a gilt metal pin at the top, and a circular metal photo of a steam engine embedded in the center of the ribbon. The ribbon is embossed with gold letters that read “MEMBER/7th ANNUAL EXCURSION/OF/WASHINGTON/ENGINE COMPANY, NO. 1,/OF/MORRISTOWN, N.J./TO/PATERSON, N.J./OCTOBER 4, 1898. The Washington Engine Company No. 1 was founded in 1867 and reorganized in 1872. It purchased an American steam engine in 1895, likely the engine depicted in the photograph. Fire companies would often took excursions to visit other companies to celebrate their common bond and engage in some friendly competition. They commemorated these trips with ribbons, medals, trumpets, and trophies.
Tiffany Glass & Decorating Company, or Tiffany Studios
ID Number
CE.96416ab
accession number
30453
catalog number
96416ab
maker number
x 856 (scratched)
Description (Brief)
Favrile glass. Body is of light green glass. Form: shortened ovoid body with short large concave neck and flaring lip. Cover is shouldered on its lower side; top has a conical center trumpet shape and terminates in a tapering rod, its end looped back and bent partly around the shaft. Decorated with red-tinted grasses over the entire surface; iridescent. Purchased from Charles Tiffany for $70.00.
