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 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.
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 speaking trumpet was presented by the Philadelphia Engine Company No. 18 of Boston to Philadelphia’s Washington Engine Company in 1832. The trumpet is made of brass, with a tin mouthpiece and an upper half sheathed in leather. A purple cord with tassels is attached near the mouthpiece, though it is of a later date than the trumpet itself. The brass trumpet is missing its bell, but the shaft is engraved with the inscription “Presented by the Philadelphia Engine Co. No. 18 of Boston to the Washington Engine Co. of Philadelphia, 1832." The Philadelphia Engine Company was founded in 1825 on Beacon Street, near Boston Common. Soon after this trumpet was made, the company changed its name to Lafayette and eventually disbanded in 1851. The Washington Engine Company was founded in Philadelphia in 1796 and would remain active until the city changed over to a municipal fire department in 1872.
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.
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 likely belonged to the Globe Engine Company No. 30 of Kensington, Philadelphia, which was founded in 1820. Originally organized as a hand engine company, it acquired a steam fire engine in 1863 and operated as the Globe Steam Fire Engine Company of Kensington until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established. The painting is attributed to John S. Brewer and dated to around 1834.The painting depicts two firemen rescuing a distressed woman from a house fire. The firemen are wearing their fire hats and capes, and one is carrying a speaking trumpet used to amplify his instructions to the company. The painting was meant to emphasize the firemen’s masculinity and heroism. This painting and its companion piece (object 2005.0233.0313) would have adorned either side of the company’s engine.
Silver fireman's presentation trumpet engraved, "Presented to the Good Will Engine Co. By the Colored women of Phila.a as a token of their appreciation of their manly, heroic, and philanthropic efforts displayed upon various trying occasions in defence of the persons, rights and property of their oppressed fellow citizens." Marked "C. BARD & SON". Conical body, embossed and chased with floral spray designs, hexagonal, flared mouth. Engraved with a presentation and two semi-circular devices to attach cord for suspending the trumpet.
This trumpet was made by Horstmann Brothers & Company in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania around 1879-1882. It is an F natural trumpet made of brass, with a blue cord. This trumpet is stamped:
HORSTMANN BROS. & Co. [/] PHILADELPHIA
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.”
William Hortsmann, born in Germany, emigrated to the United States and established himself as a maker of fringe, laces, and trimmings in Philadelphia, in 1815. William Horstmann & Sons were located at North Third Street between 1830 and 1857, manufacturing and importing everything from textiles and trimmings to military goods including drums, pistols, and swords. As the company expanded, Horstmann & Sons moved the factory to 5th and Cherry Streets and their storefront to 2223 Chestnut Street. Later the company would grow to two stores in New York and an agency in Paris. William Horstmann retired from the company in 1845, and his sons, William and Sigmund continued the family business until 1872.
Raised circular urn-shape bowl engraved with a large shaded foliate script "G" on a flared or trumpet-shape circular pedestal atop a square base with applied sides; double-flared or -trumpeted cover is topped by a large cast ball. Beading at edges of cover, rim, and top and bottom of pedestal. Outside of base to left of monogram is struck "I•M\c/.Mullin" in raised italic roman letters in a rectangle. Underside of pedestal incised "oz 13=5". No centerpunch. Part of a six-piece coffee and tea service, DL*037807-DL*037812.
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 gold-colored cross-shaped fire badge was used by a member of the Reserve Fire Force of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania which was established in 1953 and was active until circa 1980. Members of the Reserve Fire Force were unpaid volunteers trained by regular members of the Fire Department to fight fires in times of emergency. The circular center of the badge bears the inscription “RESERVE FIRE FORCE / PHILA.” around the rim with all filled in with black enamel. The center of the badge has four crossed speaking trumpets, which often denoted the rank of the wearer, commonly an assistant chief.
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.
Raised hemispherical bowl engraved with a large, shaded foliate script "G" on a flared or trumpet-shape circular pedestal atop a square base with applied sides. Beading at rim and at top and bottom of pedestal. Outside of base to right of monogram is struck "I•M\c/.Mullin" in raised italic roman letters in a rectangle. Underside of pedestal is incised twice "oz 12=19". No centerpunch. Part of a six-piece coffee and tea service, DL*037807-DL*037812.
Raised circular urn-shape coffeepot with double-flared or -trumpeted, hinged lid topped by a large cast ball on a flared circular pedestal atop a square base with applied sides; one side of body is engraved with a large shaded foliate script "G". Beading at edges of lid, base of short, incurved neck, top and bottom of pedestal, face and back of the upright, angular bellied S-curve spout and at tops of the cylindrical sockets, into which is pinned a C-curve handle with scrolled waterleaf. Body perforated at spout. Base underside is struck twice "WILLIAMSON" in raised roman letters in a rectangle. Centerpunch on underside of body. Part of a six-piece coffee and tea service, DL*037807-DL*037812.
Raised ovoid sauceboat with rounded sides and narrow pouring lip on a circular flared or trumpet-shape pedestal atop a flat oval base with applied seamed sides; cast beading at rim and bottom edge of pedestal. One side of body is engraved "JPG" in conjoined foliate script inside a heart-shaped cartouche topped by a tripartite scroll motif draped with bright-cut swags; two crossed ears of wheat below. Double C-curve handle has an open-ended, scrolled leaf upper terminal and split bud lower terminal. Centerpunch on underside of rounded body. Underside of flat base struck twice "JLownes" in raised script in a partially-conforming rectangle; pedestal underside scratched "twt / 27,,2".
Large, raised circular urn-shape pot with triple-flared or -trumpeted, hinged lid topped by a large cast ball on a flared circular pedestal atop a square base with applied sides; one side of body is engraved with a large shaded foliate script "G". Beading at edges of lid, base of tall, incurved neck, top and bottom of pedestal, face and back of the S-curve spout and at tops of the cylindrical sockets, into which is pinned a C-curve handle with scrolled waterleaf. Body has one large diamond- or lozenge-shape opening at spout. Pedestal underside is incised "oz / 42 dwt / 5"; base underside is struck four times "WILLIAMSON" in raised roman letters in a rectangle. Centerpunch on underside of body. Part of a six-piece coffee and tea service, DL*037807-DL*037812.
Raised circular urn-shape teapot with double-flared or -trumpeted, hinged lid topped by a large cast ball on a flared circular pedestal atop a square base with applied sides; one side of body is engraved with a large shaded foliate script "G". Beading at edges of lid, base of almost flat, incurved neck, top and bottom of pedestal, face and back of the S-curve spout and at tops of the cylindrical sockets, into which is pinned a C-curve handle with scrolled waterleaf. Body perforated at spout. Outside of base opposite monogram is struck "I•M\c/.Mullin" in raised italic roman letters in a rectangle. Inside of lid incised "oz / 22= dwt / 13". No marks on underside. Part of a six-piece coffee and tea service, DL*037807-DL*037812.
Tall, octagonal or panel-sided, inverted trumpet-shaped pitcher with raised bead at neck and rounded bottom on four cast ruffled scroll feet; engraved in small script on front panel, "To / M\rs/.. Alexander Cummings / A Mother's Gratitude". Reeded rim steeply curves to a U-shaped pouring lip. Tapered S-curve handle has fluted shell upper terminal, tab thumbpiece, applied oval leaves or feathers at middle and scrolled lower terminal with pendant pointed leaf or feather. Underside struck twice above and below centerpunch "R&W.WILSON" in raised roman letters in a rectangle, both facing the same direction.
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 cross-shaped white metal fire badge belonged to a member of the Reserve Fire Force of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania which was established in 1953 and was active until circa 1980. Members of the Reserve Fire Force were unpaid volunteers trained by regular members of the Fire Department to fight fires in times of emergency. The circular center of the badge bears the inscription “RESERVE FIRE FORCE / PHILA.” around the rim with the number “146” in the center, all filled in with black enamel. The size of the badge likely means it was worn on the cap, rather than the chest.
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 circular metal fire badge was used by a member of the reorganized Philadelphia Fire Department between 1868 and 1871. A number of municipalities in the county of Philadelphia were consolidated into the City of Philadelphia in the mid-1900s and, in response, the city reorganized its fire department from 1855. The Philadelphia Fire Department was under control of the Committee on Trusts, the Select Council and representatives from the fire service. The Fire Department was still made up of volunteers, with only the Chief Engineer and Assistant Engineers paid by the city.
In 1868, an ordinance was passed to establish this badge for firefighters to wear when not in the uniform of their company. This badge, #95, was issued to James McGough of the Perseverance Hose Company No. 5 on June 1868. The badge has a stippled background and a rim representing a hose. The badge reads “PHILADa’ FIRE/DEPARTMENT” in raised lettering with the silver-colored half inch number “95” in the center.
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 metal shield-shaped fire badge belonged to a superintendent of the Fire Insurance Patrol of the City of Philadelphia. In the early days of firefighting, insurance companies and fire departments often worked hand-in-hand. Fire Patrols were organized by insurance companies to patrol a neighborhood and report any fires that occurred, inspect buildings for fire hazards, and work with the fire department to prevent loss of life and property. Patrol wagons were equipped with rubber blankets to protect property from water damage, and fire extinguishers and buckets to squelch small fires. The patrols would pump water from cellars and mop it up from roofs after the fire had been extinguished. The badge is decorated with a small torch at the top and a plaque with floral decorations at the bottom. Upper and lower banners read “PHILADA / FIRE INSURANCE / PATROL” in raised letters. The center of the badge has a banner engraved “SUPERINTENDENT” filled in with black enamel. The Philadelphia Fire Insurance Patrol operated from 1869 until 1962. The original commander’s rank of Captain was changed to Superintendent circa 1915.
