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 painted tin speaking trumpet was used in active duty during the early 19th century. The horn has been painted white with a red semi-circle on the horn. A black number “1” with a black circle around it has been painted on the shaft of the horn. The bell has gold painted text that reads “Fire Ward/ G.L.S./ Pawtucket/ R.I.”
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 trumpet was presented to George W. Erb of the New York City Fire Department during the second half of the 19th century. The horn is engraved with floral and foliage designs and features an oval cartouche with the inscription “Presented / to / Captain George W. Erb / by the / Ladies of St. Rose's Fair.” Two small fire hats with rings are attached to the shaft, which allowed a cord to be strung from the rings. Erb was promoted to the position of foreman and assigned to the Hook and Ladder Company No. 7 of the New York City 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 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.
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 McQuire, Jr. around 1872. There are two crossed ladders engraved at the top of the shaft, and below this is an oval cartouche formed by a fire hose with an image of a fireman with a speaking trumpet at the center. The inscription reads “Presented to James McQuire, Jr. by the Members of Blackstone Hose Company No. 1, October 5, 1872” and is flanked by two small classical figures in short tunics with trumpets. At each side is a ladder rising from the bell to the shaft, and at the back are two rings for attaching a cord, each in the shape of a fire helmet. The trumpet’s bell is engraved with an image of a hose carriage, which is surrounded by a floral motif. The Blackstone Hose Company was founded in Norwich, Connecticut in 1868 and named for a prominent local businessman and politician, Lorenzo Blackstone.
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 in active duty around the early 19th century. The trumpet has a small inscription that reads “Assistant Foreman, SH&L Co., No.1” The trumpet was used by an assistant foreman of a hook and ladder company. There is a ring attached to the lower section of the trumpet to attach a strap.
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 Robert Morris Hose Company, who served in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from 1837 to 1871. The bell of the trumpet is silver plated and there are three silver bands around the trumpet’s shaft. Two rings are attached to the trumpet’s shaft to allow for a cord to be strung from the trumpet. An inscription on the trumpet reads “Robt. Morris H. Co. 1st line.” Robert Morris was a signer of the Declaration of Independence and a major financier of the Revolutionary War. It was a matter of pride and rivalry amongst the engine companies to be the company that put “first water” on the fire. No doubt the phrase “1st line” is meant to spur the foreman to be the first hose company on the fire scene to attach their hose, also known as a line, to a hydrant and then to an engine, thereby enabling the engine company to put first water on the fire.
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 brass and silver plated speaking trumpet dates to 1852. The lower and upper section of the trumpet is plated in silver. There is a braided red cord with tassels that is strung through two rings along the trumpets’ shaft. There is a silver shield-shaped plaque attached to the trumpet that bears the inscription “Presented Sept. 20, 1852/ To the New Jersey Co. No. 4/ By a friend A.N.B.S./ For the use of the carriage.”
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 white metal speaking trumpet was presented to the William Penn Hook and Ladder Company of Stockton Township, New Jersey by the William Penn Hose Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The trumpet has two flat bands wrapping around the shaft. Two rings are connected to the shaft that allowed a cord to be attached to the trumpet. The lower section of the trumpet has an engraving that reads “Presented/ BY THE/ Wm. Penn Hose Co./ OF PHILA./ To The/ Wm PENN H&L Co/Stockton Township Camden Co. N.J. 1887."
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.
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.
As American volunteer fire fighting companies began to form during the late 18th century, a need emerged for better organized efforts in combating conflagrations. Fire chiefs 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 fire company members in honor of their service, or between companies during visits, competitions and musters.
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 Angel Holding Trumpet panel painting was made by an unknown artist in the late 19th century. The character could possibly be a personification of Fame, celebrating the triumphing of the fire company.
Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes. During the 19th century, these fire hats became more ornate, as portraits of historical figures, patriotic scenes, allegorical images, or company icons were painted alongside the company’s name, motto, or founding date. Made of pressed felt, these “stove-pipe” hats were primarily used in Philadelphia, but other nearby cities such as Baltimore and Washington adopted them as well. Fire hats were personal items with the owner’s initials often painted on the top of the hat. While these hats were worn at fires, they are more colloquially known as “parade hats.” Fire companies commonly marched in the many parades of the period and these ornate hats contributed to the visual culture of their day. These distinguishing features in a company’s regalia often proclaimed the members’ cultural and political identity as well as their position on contested topics such as work, religion and immigration.
This fire hat was used in the eastern United States during the first half of the 19th century. The hat is painted black overall, with the text “HARMONY” arching over the image of a speaking trumpet, all painted in gold on the hat’s front. The painting on the back of the hat has deteriorated, but there are traces of a fire hydrant painted in gold with the text “WE [illegible] TO SERVE” arching above. The owner’s initials “C.P.S.” are painted in gold on the crown of the hat. A speaking trumpet, as seen on this hat, was a necessary tool to shout commands over the noise and disorder of a fire scene. The trumpets became well known as a symbol of authority, and continue to serve as rank insignia in fire departments. The fire hydrant, which is the symbol of the Fire Association of Philadelphia, suggests that the hat may have belonged to a member of the Harmony Engine Company No. 6. Founded in 1784, it operated as a hand engine company until 1855, when it refused to join the newly organized Philadelphia Fire Department, which, although volunteer, was under the administrative and financial control of the city. In 1867 the Franklin Hose Company No. 28 purchased its charter and operated as the Harmony Steam Fire Engine Company No. 6 until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established.
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 made by William H. Wilson of New York, New York during the mid-to-late 19th century. The white helmet has four main combs painted red, with painted gold triangles in each segment. The rear brim has the date “1772”, and the underside of the brim is painted red. A leather eagle-shaped frontpiece holder is attached to the crown of the helmet. The frontpiece has a central image of three crossed speaking trumpets, with the text “Asst./CHIEF” above the trumpets. The painted frontpiece is in poor condition.
In the nineteenthth century, Americans began to teach young groups of children in classrooms. Some of these institutions were designed especially for these children, and were called infant schools. To create a vivid impression on young minds, teachers used a numeral frame or abacus in combination with a chart like this one.
The cardboard chart was part of a larger series. It has printing on both sides. One side is entitled: ARITHMETIC CARD III. It shows groups of like objects on the left, with one slightly different object on the right. Subtracting one fallen tree from two trees leaves one tree standing, Having one of three mounted trumpeters fall off his horse leaves two trumpeters riding. Further illustrations show the loss of one from larger groups. The reverse of this chart is entitled: ARITHMETIC CARD VII. It has groups of vertical lines on the left and three vertical lines on the right, and is designed to teach adding by three.
A mark on the chart reads: INFANT SCHOOL CARDS, PUBLISHED BY MUNROE & FRANCIS, BOSTON.
For another chart in the series, see CL*389116.28.
Infant schools were popular in Boston around 1830, and the abacus was introduced into the Boston schools at about that time. Munroe & Francis was in business from the last decades of the 1700s until 1860 or so. In October 1831, The New England Magazine announced that the firm had just published “Complete Sets of Lessons on Cards for Infant Schools, consisting of 100 Lessons of every variety, on 50 Boards.” It seems likely that these cards were part of that set.
Reference:
“Works Published,” The New England Magazine, 1 (1831), p. 368.
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 white leather helmet was made around 1889. The helmet has 24 combs, a metal eagle frontpiece holder, and a rear brim embossed with an image of a hoses, hooks, ladders, lamps, and horns. A metal plate sits in the center of the image with the engraving “David I. Turnbull, appointed May 1, 1889.” The frontpiece reads “CHIEF/D.I.T.” with a painted central image of a fire trumpet with a helmet perched on top and a variety of firefighting tools crossed behind the trumpet. The helmet belonged to David I. Turnbull, who served as Chief Engineer in Paterson in 1877 and was appointed Chief Engineer by the Paterson aldermen, serving from May 1889 until May 1890.
This cross-shaped emblem has a central hole with a rim surrounded by a hose. Various fire fighting instruments are depicted around the hole including a hook and ladder, axe, speaking trumpet, and fire hat. This was not an engine plate, but rather could have been part of a memorial or commemorative display with a photograph in the center hole.