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Hat Box
Volunteer Firefighters
By Joseph S. Tillinghast
New Bedford, Massachusetts
Circa 1835
With Nantucket History

Depicted on this extremely rare and important bandbox...the engine received in 1830 by Eagle Engine Company 13 of New York City; this company was in existence at the time of the reorganization of the NY Fire department in 1783. "In 1830", writes Mr. Zophar Mills in Our Firefighters-"they had their new engine-the first one in the city that was silver plated, and probably the only one in this country whose brass work was silver plated. The engine was painted black, gold striped, highly polished, and the back had Jupiter hurling thunderbolts painted on it in the best style of art. She was the most elegant engine seen in those days, and all expense of decoration was paid for by the company and their friends." (Zophar Mills was unanimously elected a member of this company in 1832.)
The integrity of this box remains intact with only the typical vestiges of time evident; imperfections and soiling of lid with all else being generally good. Pasted inside the cover is the manufacturer's label, on which is recorded the owner's name-Elizabeth F. Gardner-Nantucket-North Shore; owners name again inscribed in ink on exterior of lid and base. (Height: 14 3/8-inches; width: 20.5-inches; depth: 16.25-inches.)

$12,425

339-16

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Rare, Possibly Unique Fire Related Liverpool Pitcher
Unique under glaze painted hand-tub...
Probably Produced At The Herculaneum Pottery
Late Eighteenth Century

This outstanding 9.5-inch pitcher features a large transfer of Washington and Franklin before a map of the United States on one side, the initials W over NP wreathed in grapevines and a Herculaneum-type eagle beneath the spout; of special interest is the previously unseen 18th century hand tub fire pumper on the other side. The pumper is hand painted in black under the glaze and is surrounded by a transfer of boughs and flowers. There are no apparent chips, cracks or repairs and only some light scattered stains. The glaze has a tight overall crackle that spirals upward as expected on old Liverpool pieces.

$16,500

232-56

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Painted Leather Fireman's Hat Plate - SOLD

Dimensions: 4.75 by 8.75-inches.

232-72 - SOLD

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Leather Fire Bucket
W. Shepherd
1794 - SOLD

As depicted, American paint decorated bucket with leather handle; yellow lettering with black conforming silhouette against a red banner surmounted with red and green painted scrolling and other decorative devices...above 1794 date surrounded by fancy scrolling centering leaf decoration. The interior painted brick-red, rolled and stitched rim painted green; bucket is a wonderful yellow color. In very good condition with the exception of one of the swing handle mounting rings being detached from body tab and handle. We have a superb, and experienced leather restoration artist available. (Height: 12.5 inches.)

724-3 - SOLD

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Exceedingly Rare and Outstanding
Pressed Beaver Fur
Painted Fire Helmet
Late 18th Or Early 19th Century
Nashua, New Hampshire - SOLD

As depicted, FOREMAN 3 surmounted by American flag; the back decorated with hand-tub; sides and rim with fancy painted scrolling with traces of thinning gilt. Within fancy banner at rear of flaring rim with brass band is the legend-NASHUA; underside of brim painted green. It appears that the helmet once has a leather crest. Overall excellent condition.
Dimensions: 7.5-inches high, 13-inches wide, 15.25-inches deep.

216-346 - SOLD

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Outstanding Oil On Panel
Eagle Engine Company
New York City.
Oil On Board
First Half 19th Century - SOLD

"In 1830" writes Mr. Zophar Mills, "the company was mostly Quakers of the highest respectability. They were generally merchants and merchants clerks. They had their new engine-the first one in this city that was silver plated, and probably the only one in this country whose brass work was silver plated. The engine was painted black, gold striped, highly polished. She was the most elegant engine ever seen in those days, and all this expense of decoration was paid for by the company and their friends."¹
The picture is painted on clear white-wood; panel is chamfered on all sides. Extremely minor re-touch otherwise superb in all aspects. Frame: 23 by 19.5 inches; View: 17.75 by 14 inches.
¹ Our Fireman The History Of The New York Fire Departments From 1609 To 1887 by Augustine Costello, page 589.

339-5 - SOLD

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Unique Large Wood Presentation Fire Trumpet
Wilmington, Delaware to Conshohocken, Pennsylvania Association
Circa 1879 - SOLD

This unique wood presentation fire trumpet is approximately 55-inches long. It has an inscription painted in black letters with red and gilt highlights that reads "Presented to / Washington S.F.E.H. & L. Co. No. 7 / Of Wilmington Del. By / The Secret Eight Of / Washington H, & S, F, E, Co, No, 1 Of / Conshohocken PA. / Dec, 24, 1879." The mouthpiece is detachable and there are two movable rings with black tasseled rope attached. We are awaiting what the consignor states "is a considerable amount of paperwork" that will accompany the piece.

232-57 - SOLD

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No. 13 Eagle
Eagle Engine Company
New York City.
Oil On Board
First Half 19th Century
Signed, I. Tice - SOLD

"In 1830" writes Mr. Zophar Mills, "the company was mostly Quakers of the highest respectability. They were generally merchants and merchants clerks. They had their new engine-the first one in this city that was silver plated, and probably the only one in this country whose brass work was silver plated. The engine was painted black, gold striped, highly polished. She was the most elegant engine ever seen in those days, and all this expense of decoration was paid for by the company and their friends."¹
The picture is painted on pine and remains in original condition; having minor losses and never cleaned as depicted. (15.25 by 11.25 inches.)
¹ Our Fireman The History Of The New York Fire Departments From 1609 To 1887 by Augustine Costello, page 589.

339-4 - SOLD

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