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 the Passaic Engine Company of Paterson, New Jersey by the Neptune Guard of Newark, New Jersey on October 30th, 1876. The trumpet has an overall floral motif surrounding the various inscriptions and engravings. The bell of the trumpet features an engraving of a steam fire engine on one side and an engraving of an overlapping fireman's hat, trumpet, hook, and fire swab on the other. The center portion of the trumpet bears an inscription inside a shield-shaped frame that reads “Presented to Passaic Engine Co. No. 1 of Paterson by the Neptune Guard of Newark, Oct. 30th 1876, Frank Daly, Capt.” On the opposite side of the trumpet there is an engraving of a crossed hook and ladder. There are two rings that would have been used to attach a cord to the trumpet. The Neptune Guard was a musket corps composed of members from the Neptune Hose Company of Newark, New Jersey that was in operation around the middle of the 19th century.
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 foot race at the Olympic Circus during the late 19th century. The trumpet features a raised floral motif on the lower portion of the trumpet and an overlapping scale pattern on the upper portion of the trumpet. The trumpet has two rings that are strung with a braided orange cord with tassels. One ring is in the beak of an eagle. There is an inset cartouche with the inscription “Won by/ Thomas Mullen/ of/ Jackson Engine Inc./ No. 4/ at the/ Olympic Circus /Paterson N.J. /Mile Foot Race/ Time 2-25 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 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 trumpet was presented to the Weccacoe Fire Company of Camden, New Jersey by the citizens of Camden, New Jersey in 1837. The trumpet is in two sections, the shaft has a crenulated edge at the base with a raised leaf band. The trumpet has a stippled background overall, with raised floral engravings throughout. A shield bears the inscription “Presented to Weccacoe Fire Company by Citizens of Camden, N.J. October 5th 1837.” Below the inscription is an image of a fire house (possibly Weccacoe’s) engraved in an oval cartouche. The trumpet has two hooks that would have been used to attach a cord. The Weccacoe Fire Company operated in Camden, New Jersey from 1800 to 1854.
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 trumpet was presented to the Neptune Engine Company by the citizens of Paterson, New Jersey through Josiah P. Doremus in 1867. The trumpet has three sections. The lower bell bears an engraved image of a steam powered fire engine. The center portion is an inscription framed by engraved decorative foliage that reads “Presented to Neptune Engine Company No. 2 by Citizens of Patterson, N.J. through Josiah P. Doremus. Sept 2nd 1867.” The upper section has a variety of decorative engravings. Josiah Doremus was a prominent businessman in Paterson, New Jersey during the middle of the 19th century.
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 is plated with silver and painted gold. There are three oval medallions around the bell, each with a profile image of a Grecian figure’s head. The shaft of the horn features a profile bust of George Washington framed in an oval cartouche. There is an inscription on the shaft that reads “Presented to Trenton Hose Co. No. 1 of Trenton, N.J. by Empire Association Lynn Feb 4th 1869” that is framed in an oval. A braided red, white, and blue cord 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 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 to the Passaic Steam Fire Engine Company of Paterson, New Jersey by Archie Graham in 1881. The trophy in engraved with a general floral motif. The upper section features an engraving of a fire helmet with several spears behind it, surrounded by a floral garland. The bell has an engraved image of a steam-powered fire engine and a hook and ladder truck. The center section has an inscription framed in an oval cartouche that reads “Presented by/ Archie Graham/ Competed for by/ Fire Dept. Guard/ of Paterson, N.J./ Won by/ Passaic S.F.E. Co. No. 1/ Nov. 24th 1881/ TEAM/ Henry Schoonmaker/ Michael Carney/ Robert Downie/ Thomas McLean.” The Passaic Fire Engine Company was founded on July 4th, 1815 and was named after the river than runs through Paterson.
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 manufactured by Cairns & Brother of New York, New York in the late 19th century. The 16 comb hat is painted black overall, with ivy vine scroll work stamped around the brim, and a two hoses flanking an inset metal frontpiece on the back of the brim. There is a metal frontpiece holder in the form of the fireman with a speaking trumpet to his mouth. The frontpiece is black leather with a red background and white lettering. The frontpiece reads “LIBERTY/7” in white leather and is signed “Daniel Gregory/Paterson, NJ” in the center. Gregory served as a member of several different Paterson Fire Companies, and was an officer in the Exempt Association of Paterson.
Grisham's Quartet. side 1: When the Mighty Trumpet Sounds; side 2: Redeeming Star (Bluebird B-5271). 78 rpm. Both tracks were recorded in 1929 and initially released on Victor V-40295.
side 1: Pete Johnson's All-Star Quartet. Mutiny in the Doghouse; side 2: Pete Johnson's All-Star Sextet. Page Mr. Trumpet (National 4007), from the album, Pete Johnson’s Housewarmin’ (National 1001). 78 rpm.
Bill Boyd and his Cowboy Ramblers. side 1: My Baby Love Me, I Know; Trumpet Talking Blues (Bluebird B-8081). 78 rpm. Side 1 was recorded in 1938. Side 2 was recorded in 1939.
This shield-shaped metal fire badge belonged to the fire department of Elizabeth, New Jersey. A fire helmet with crossed trumpet and hose nozzle sits at the top of the shield. A banner on a stippled background reads “Elizabeth, N.J.” There is a large number “1” in the center of the badge, above an image of a hook and ladder fire truck. Badge number “566” is in a circle at the bottom of the badge.
Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes. Badges served as official identification at fire scenes, as access to derelict buildings by unscrupulous citizens could result in looting. Fire badges came in a variety of shapes, most notably circular, shield–shaped, or the Maltese cross. While shield–shaped badges were often worn on the chest, circular and cross-shaped badges can be seen on jacket lapels or soft caps. Badges usually detailed the company’s name, number and department, and were often decorated with various symbols of the profession such as hose carriages, hand–pumped engines, hoses, trumpets, helmets, hooks, and ladders. For paid municipal companies, many badges also featured the badge number of the wearer.
This shield-shaped metal fire badge has a stippled background a crossed trumpet and hose nozzle behind a fire helmet at the top of the shield. A banner at the top of the badge reads "J.C.F.D." above a silver colored "1" in the center of the badge. An image of a steam fire engine is at the bottom of the badge, above the number "29" in an oval. The badge likely belonged to a member of the Jersey City Fire Department in New Jersey.
Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes. Badges served as official identification at fire scenes, as access to derelict buildings by unscrupulous citizens could result in looting. Fire badges came in a variety of shapes, most notably circular, shield–shaped, or the Maltese cross. While shield–shaped badges were often worn on the chest, circular and cross-shaped badges can be seen on jacket lapels or soft caps. Badges usually detailed the company’s name, number and department, and were often decorated with various symbols of the profession such as hose carriages, hand–pumped engines, hoses, trumpets, helmets, hooks, and ladders. For paid municipal companies, many badges also featured the badge number of the wearer.
This shield-shaped metal fire badge was used by a member of the Rahway (New Jersey) Fire Department. The top of the badge is decorated with a trumpet and hose nozzle crossed behind a fire helmet. An upper banner is inscribed “RAHWAY” and a lower banner reads “DEPARTMENT.” Under the upper banner is the inscription “FIRE.” The center of the badge bears the silver number “98.”
Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes. Badges served as official identification at fire scenes, as access to derelict buildings by unscrupulous citizens could result in looting. Fire badges came in a variety of shapes, most notably circular, shield–shaped, or the Maltese cross. While shield–shaped badges were often worn on the chest, circular and cross-shaped badges can be seen on jacket lapels or soft caps. Badges usually detailed the company’s name, number and department, and were often decorated with various symbols of the profession such as hose carriages, hand–pumped engines, hoses, trumpets, helmets, hooks, and ladders. For paid municipal companies, many badges also featured the badge number of the wearer.
This shield-shaped metal fire badge belonged to a member of the fire department of Ramsey, New Jersey. At the top of the badge are crossed trumpets behind a fire helmet. “RAMSEY" is inscribed in a banner at top of the badge with "FIRE" inscribed below. "DEPARTMENT" is inscribed in the banner at the bottom of the badge below the number "1."
Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes. Badges served as official identification at fire scenes, as access to derelict buildings by unscrupulous citizens could result in looting. Fire badges came in a variety of shapes, most notably circular, shield–shaped, or the Maltese cross. While shield–shaped badges were often worn on the chest, circular and cross-shaped badges can be seen on jacket lapels or soft caps. Badges usually detailed the company’s name, number and department, and were often decorated with various symbols of the profession such as hose carriages, hand–pumped engines, hoses, trumpets, helmets, hooks, and ladders. For paid municipal companies, many badges also featured the badge number of the wearer.
This shield–shaped metal badge belonged to a member of the fire department in Jersey City, New Jersey in the early 20th century. The shield–shaped badge bears a central embellishment of a ladder, axe, hose, hook, trumpet and hat with a scroll that reads “Jersey City” above and “F.D.” below. The badge number “30” is made of raised brass at the bottom of the badge.
Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes. Badges served as official identification at fire scenes, as access to derelict buildings by unscrupulous citizens could result in looting. Fire badges came in a variety of shapes, most notably circular, shield–shaped, or the Maltese cross. While shield–shaped badges were often worn on the chest, circular and cross-shaped badges can be seen on jacket lapels or soft caps. Badges usually detailed the company’s name, number and department, and were often decorated with various symbols of the profession such as hose carriages, hand–pumped engines, hoses, trumpets, helmets, hooks, and ladders. For paid municipal companies, many badges also featured the badge number of the wearer.
