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 highly polished brass work trumpet was used around 1835. The trumpet has a rounded band in the center, as well as a band around the mouthpiece and bell.
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 brass work trumpet dates to the 19th century. The unadorned trumpet has two bands around the upper and lower portions of the shaft. Two rings hang from the shaft, allowing a cord to be attached the trumpet. This mouthpiece has become detached from the trumpet, and the shaft is engraved with the initials “PLC.”
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 work trumpet was in use around the early 19th century. The horn is dented and is made of a single piece of brass. A long braided cord is tied around the trumpet near the mouthpiece and attached to a hook by the trumpet’s bell. The word “California” seems to be engraved on 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 brass and tin work trumpet was used in the eastern United States around 1832. The upper portion of the trumpet is tin and covered in leather to create a grip, while the lower portion is made of brass. One ring is attached to the bottom of the trumpet to allow a cord to be attached .The initials “D.F.D.” are engraved on the lower half of the trumpet, possibly standing for the Delaware Fire Department.
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 plated speaking trumpet was presented to John Weber in 1886. The unadorned trumpet is in three sections, with an oval inscription plate that reads “John Weber/ AZT. Foreman/ 1886.” There are two rings attached to the trumpet that would allow a cord to be attached 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 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 brass and tin work trumpet was used by Peter Bugel of the Jackson Engine Company of New York, New York during the 19th century. The trumpet has two raised bands and two rings along the trumpet’s shaft. There is an engraving in the side that reads “Peter Bugel” and the rim of the bell is engraved “Jackson Co. 24.” The Jackson Engine Company was originally organized in 1798 and was reorganized twice before going out of service in 1865.
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 work trumpet dates to the 19th century. The trumpet has a raised ribbed band at the top of the bell and the text “B.T. Brown” engraved on the side. There is a small piece of wire wrapped around the top of the trumpet to create a handle.
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 brass trumpet was likely made during the late 19th century. The trumpet is decorated with an elaborate floral repoussé pattern. The center of the shaft has four raised images on each quadrant of the trumpet, two flaming torches on opposite sides, a fire helmet, and a fire hydrant. There are two rings protruding from the shaft that allowed a cord to be attached. The trumpet’s bell has two large cartouches on opposite sides. One contains an engraved image of a man driving a pair of horses pulling a steam engine. The other contains the inscription “Presented to/ Thomas Baird/ Assistant Engineer/ LVFD/ by his/ Intimate Friends.” There is also an engraving of two crossed ladders behind a shield-shaped cartouche on opposite sides of the bell.
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 brass speaking trumpet was used by J.H. Tillinghast of Providence, Rhode Island during the middle of the 19th century. The trumpet is unadorned with thin molded bands where the mouthpiece and the bell attach to the shaft. The bell has a simple inscription that reads “J.H. Tillinghast/ PROVIDENCE R.I.” A cord is tied to the neck of the trumpet to form a handle. The Tillinghast family is one of the oldest in Rhode Island.
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 presented to the Union Steam Fire Engine Company by the Frankford Arsenal during the 19th century. The trumpet is engraved with flowers and leaves, with a scalloped bell rim engraved with leaves around the edge. A brass shield is in the center of the shaft, and bears an inscription that reads “Union S.F.E. Co. of Frankford Arsenal." Two miniature eagle heads attached to the shaft hold rings in their beaks. Frankford Arsenal was a United States Army munitions plant near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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 by the Harry Howard Hose Company of New York City to its last volunteer foreman in 1865. The trumpet has an engraved floral design with several raised floral patterns throughout. There is a cartouche on the bell that contains an engraved image of a hose reel. A cartouche along the shaft contains the inscription “Presented to Garrett Bell foreman of Harry Howard Hose Co. No. 55 by the members Jan. 1st 1865.” A braided blue cord with tassels is attached to the trumpet through protruding rings. The Harry Howard Hose Company, formed in 1853, was named for the famous Chief Engineer of the New York City volunteers. Garrett Bell was the last foreman of the company when it disbanded as part of the creation of the paid municipal city system in 1865.
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 silver plated presentation trumpet was used by the General Phinney Engine Company of Scranton, Pennsylvania in 1877. The trumpet is decorated with engravings and repousse patterns of leaves, flowers, palmettes, scrolls and the like. An inscription is surrounded by a floral oval cartouche that reads “General Phinney/ ENGINE CO./ No. 4/ Organized/ Feb. 29, 1877/ Scranton, Pa.” The other side of the trumpet bears an engraved image of a spider type hose reel. Two eagle heads are attached to the trumpet and hold rings in their beaks that connected by a thin ribbon. General Elisha Phinney was a prominent figure in Scranton in the second half of the 19th century. Phinney ran a wholesale flour and feed business, opened and operated a series of mines, organized and directed the Second National Bank of Scranton, was president of the Merchant’s and Mechanics Bank, president of the Stowers’ Packing and Provision Company, and Treasurer of the Lackawann and Susquehanna Coal and Iron Company. He received his title of General as a member of the antebellum militia, but organized and equipped volunteer regiments when the Civil War began. The General Phinney Engine Company Number 4 was located at 4 Dickson Avenue in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
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 was used by the Rapid Hose Company of Kingston, New York during the 19th century. The trumpet has three raised bands around the shaft with minor beading around the bands. Two rings are connected to the shaft that allowed a cord to be attached to the trumpet. There is an inscription on the lower section of the trumpet that reads “Rapid Hose Co. 1.”
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 James F. Gaffney and dates from the mid to late 19th century. The trumpet has a plain surface with beaded bands around the mouthpiece and upper and lower bulges in the trumpet. There is an egg and dart pattern stamped around the bell of the horn. Two gilded eagles’ heads are attached to the trumpet holding rings in their beaks that are connected by a braided purple cord with tassels on the end. There are decorative incisions around an engraving that reads “Presented to James F. Gaffney by his Friends for his Good qualities as a Fireman and his Virtues as a citizen.”
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 Avoca Hose Company by John M. Grier in 1887. The brass trumpet has three rounded bands along the shaft. A red braided cord with tassels is tied around the top and bottom of the shaft and strung through two rings attached to the trumpet. A circular plaque attached to the trumpet bears the inscription “Presented to/ Avoca Hose Co. No. 1/ by/ John M. Grier/ May 30th, 1887.” This fire company was likely the one located in Avoca, Pennsylvania rather than Avoca, New York.
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 John J. Rowe by the Ossining Hose Company of New York in 1886. The trumpet’s bell has engraved images of a hook and ladder truck, a steam engine, a pair of crossed ladders with fire helmet, and a hose reel vehicle all framed inside an oval cartouche. The trumpet’s center section is decorated with a floral motif overall, with an inscription inside a floral garland frame that reads “Presented to/ John J. Rowe/ by/ Ossining Hose Co/ 1886.” The upper section of the trumpet has an engraving of a crossed ladder and bucket. There are two small fire helmets with rings on the trumpet’s shaft, allowing for a cord to be attached to the trumpet.