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Firefighting Art
Folk Art, Engine Panel of the Washington Fire Engine
Attributed to John Archibald Woodside, Sr. (1781 to 1852)
Circa 1838
Oil on wood with brass plates
(30 by 17.5".)
By the early 1820's volunteer fire companies had begun to paint their fire engines bright colors and commission artist to paint decorative panels for them.
This panel, attributed to the prominent Philadelphia sign painter John Archibald Woodside, Sr., ornamented the Washington Engine Company's "Washington" fire engine, built by Joel Bates in 1832; rebuilt by John Agnew in 1838. Represented are outstanding allegorical figures of Freedom, Liberty, and Justice gathered at the base of a stone pedestal on which rests a bust of George Washington. Woodside is documented as having executed commissions for the Washington Engine Company, and in 1832 he had made a preliminary sketch (now in the Historical Society of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia) as a design for a banner that is similar to this composition. Scatted small losses and abrasions restored with all else fine; conservation and treatment report available.
Literature: Catalog of The Green Tree Collection by Garvan and Wojtowicz, 1977, pages 123 and 124.
$91,250
339-15
Watercolor, Fairy Hose Cart 5
E.J. Lines Foreman
Signed Henry C. Curtis
27 Congress Avenue
A scene depicting an early hose cart with fireman in parade hat.
The work is mounted in a period painted frame and as depicted has stains.
Frame: 19.75 by 16 inches; View: 15.5 by 11.5 inches.
$6,350
339-3
North China Herald Daily News
November 21, 1895
Shanghai
Newspaper boldly printed S.F.D. Firemen are requested to attend funeral of late foreman John William Bennett, "DELUGE" Co., No. 4, S.F.D.; bold lettering in black and red; similar to broadside.
Also within matte are two photographs, each depicting a fire in China, one in Chinese countryside with the other in a city showing British Colonial dress and style.
Dimensions: 16.5 by 16.5" frame, 15.5 by 15.5" sight-size.
$265
897-2
Broadside, Fire Prevention Week, 1935
President Woodrow Wilson issued the first National Fire Prevention Day proclamation in 1920; Fire Prevention Week has been observed on the Sunday through Saturday period in which October 9 falls since 1922. The President of the United States has signed a proclamation proclaiming a national observance during that week every year since 1925. The National Fire Protection Association's theme for Fire Prevention Week of 1935 during the Roosevelt administration was WHAT WOULD FIRE MEAN TO YOU? Excellent condition)
Dimensions: 12.75 by 16.5" frame, 11.5 by 15.5" sight-size.
$325
897-7
Currier and Ives, the Darktown Fire Brigade, Taking a Rest
Published by Joseph Koehler
New York City
Chromolithograph
1894
The caption reads, "Foreman - Right you is Parson dis terbakker beats de deck."
Not examined out of frame; bright color.
Dimensions: 21.5 by 17" frame, 10.25 by 14" sight-size.
$450
897-3
Currier and Ives, the Darktown Fire Brigade, Hook and Ladder Gymnastics
Published by Joseph Koehler
New York City
Chromolithograph
1894
The caption reads, "Brace her up dar! And cotch her on de fly!"
Not examined out of frame; minor foxing in margin at top right; tiny puncture in margin at bottom right, all else fine; bright color.
Dimensions: 21.5 by 17" frame, 10.25 by 14" sight-size.
$450
897-4
Currier and Ives, the Darktown Fire Brigade, A Prize Squirt
Published by Joseph Koehler
New York City
Chromolithograph
1894
The caption reads, "Now den! Shake her up once moah fur de Mug"
Not examined out of frame; minor creasing and tight tear in title line between K and T of DARKTOWN; all else fine; bright color.
Dimensions: 21.5 by 17" frame, 10.25 by 14" sight-size.
$450
897-5
James H. Cafferty, Fire Painting, To the Rescue
Signed, James H. Cafferty (1819 to 1869)
American
After L'Incendie (The Fire), by Jean Pierre Alexandre Antigna
Oil on canvas, 36 by 46"
A large and dramatic picture-depicting a mother holding her baby with another young child holding her apron, she opens the door to see flames and smoke with helmeted fireman at the window about to rescue mother and children.
The work is mounted in a beautiful carved wood, gesso and gilt frame of the period and may have been commissioned for a chief or fire company whereas the artist is known to have painted portraits of several firemen.
$24,585
339-26
Extremely Rare Fireman
Chalk Ware Figure
Painted
American
19th Century
One of the few extant figures; with detailed facial details including spectacular handlebar mustache; wearing black helmet with red badge, red jacket; white breeches and red-cuffed black boots. The fireman leans on his trumpet resting on hydrant; the square base is painted green and is molded with circles above zigzag band. A repaired crack runs from right hip to left knee; also, some base repair; nonetheless, very attractive, wonderful and rare. (Height: 14.25-inches.)
$10,500
339-17
Trade Sign, Tin
Continental Fire Insurance Company
Minute Man
Framed painted tin sign in excellent condition.
Dimensions: 20.25 by 30.5".
$1,695
883-4
Painting, Great Boston Fire of 1872
Washington Street Looking Towards the Old South Church
Anonymous, third quarter 19th century
November 9th 1872
Oil on canvas - SOLD
The work remains on original stretcher and is mounted with a gold gilt frame.
(Frame: 25.25 x 31.25 inches; view; 19.25 x 25.25 inches.)
339-23 - SOLD
Lithograph, View of the Ruins After the Great Fire in New York, Dec. 16th & Dec. 17th, 1835, As Seen from Exchange Place
Published by L.P. Clover
Entered According to Act of Congress in the Year 1836 by L.P. Clover in the Office of the Southern District
After Nicolino Calyo
The print remains in excellent original condition. (Frame: 34 x 28 inches; view: 24.25 x 18.5 inches)
$1,365
339-24
Painting, Burning of the Cold Storage Building
Chicago World's Fair, Columbian Exposition
1893
This painting memorializes the tragic fire of the five story building that claimed the lives of 12 firefighters July 10, 1893.
(Frame: 63.25 x 40.75 inches; view: 57.25 x 34.75 inches)
339-22
Carved Marble Plaque
Steamer-Fire Engine
Anonymous
19th Century - SOLD
As depicted, a most unusual and successful work, perhaps created by a talented stone cutter who was also a member of a volunteer fire department. The work is mounted in a contemporary frame.
Dimensions: 11.25 by 11.75-inch frame, 7.5 by 7-inch sight-size.
339-18 - SOLD
Modern Double Ahren's Engine
Painted by James Fanning and Frank Elder
Cooper Union, New York City
Circa 1895
Oil on canvas
As depicted, a double engine by Ahren's Manufacturing Co., Cincinnati, Ohio
The work was neatly removed from stretcher with the clever framer using the 1.25-inch tack edge as a border. The piece is framed under Plexiglas; condition is excellent. (Frame: 45.25 x 33.25 inches; view: 39.25 x 27 inches.)
$7,685
232-153
FIREFIGHTING
Extremely Rare Presentation Trumpet
Cranberry cut to clear;
19th Century
Probably presented to an honored fire chief upon retirement. A cranberry and leaf motif within cross-banded grid. Published, page 234 of Hot Stuff-Firefighting Collectibles by Andrew G. Gurka. (Height: 16-inches.)
$17,450
505-27
Jacob G. Bauman (Active circa 1870)
Firehouse Memorial Picture-Tribute to Firefighters
Signed on lower right: J.G. Baumann, Artist
Detroit, Michigan, Circa 1870
Features an eagle perched atop the stars and stripes shield with a banner reading “Liberty and Prosperity” above the heat and fiery light of a conflagration; and a firefighter rescuing a child
Oil on canvas
Little is known of the life and work of Jacob Baumann, Arthur Hopkin Gibson, in Artists of Early Michigan, A Biographical Dictionary of Artists Native to or Active In Michigan 1701-1900 (Detroit, Michigan, 1975) page 47, offers only scant information: Jacob Baumann was an amateur artist working in Detroit, who studied at the German-American Seminary in Detroit during the year 1875. His only other known work, depicting the old Tollgate at Gratoit and Mack Streets in Detroit is known from a photocopy in the Burton Historical Collection of the Detroit Public Library, mentioned in the Detroit News, July 26, 1925, The Metropolitan Section, Page 5.
This unusual painting commemorates the life of a heroic firefighter; The central design-composed of a flag, helmet, floral wreath and accouterments-appears to be painted from life. Other vignettes include a steam engine, a firefighter rescuing a child, and a stack of firefighter’s equipment including a coiled hose, hook, trumpet, leather belt labeled Red Jacket”; helmet with badge also labeled “Red Jacket” along with “4” and “J.P.”, the American flag, and a bouquet of flowers. The two vignettes of firefighting activity were probably inspired by the popular series of lithographs by Currier and Ives from the 1850s and early 1860s entitles “The Life Of A Fireman.”
Literature: American Expressions of Liberty (Mingei International Museum, 1996) and will appear in American Visions of Freedom and Liberty (Virginia Historical Society.) Also, The Billy Pearson Collection of American Folk Art, by David A. Schorsch.
The picture, mounted in a custom frame has been relined and there is minor in-painting. (29-inch x 35-inch view area; overall: 35-inch x 41-inches.)
On Request
232-53
Color Lithograph On Metal
Steam Fire Engine
Early 20th Century
Anonymous, advertising - SOLD
With folded edges and in fine condition with bright color.
(15 by 21-inches.)
232-115 - SOLD
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
Enterprise Coffee Grinder
Philadelphia
Late 19th Century
As depicted, remaining in original paint; wonderful eagle on shield festooned with leafy decoration, centered by ribbon recording manufacturer's name and address. Drawer is possibly a replacement.
Dimensions: 27.5-inches high, 24-inches wide, 19.25-inches deep.
$1,895
339-19
New York City
Veteran Fireman's Association
Large Photograph of Firefighters
New York Fire Department
Circa 1886
There were several noted VFA activities during 1886 with the largest assemblage of some 250 veteran fire fighter's being October 28th; the unveiling of The Statue of Liberty.
This large print (photo process) depicts a group portrait imposed on a realistic rendering of NYC. The work is mounted within an outstanding frame with applied composition firefighting motifs. The piece was never opened since framing; upper corner helmets need restoration…as depicted, all else fine.
Frame: 47 x 35.25 inches; view: 39.5 x 25.5 inches; the print itself measures 34 by 19.5-inches. (We have a great frame restoration specialist.)
Please refer to Costello, The History Of The New York Fireman, page 763.
$3,750
232-127
Wooden Hook & Ladder Pull Toy
Measures 48-inches in length.
$675
369-2
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
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
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
Portrait Of A Volunteer Firefighter
Engine Company 32
New York City
By W. Effie
Circa 1839
Collection of Harold V. Smith, Esq - SOLD
Oil on canvas portrait of an early 19th century firefighter, wearing Engine 32 badge and standing in front of gooseneck type engine with painted panel of the Seal of the City of New York, with his hat resting on the carriage, unsigned, relined with writing from original canvas copied onto lining "Property of / Harold V. Smith, Esq. / My painting / [under this dated and signed by] / W. Effie / 1839." Fine condition. (Harold V. Smith, Esq., was the President of the Home Insurance Protection Company, and one of the - if not the - foremost collectors of fire memorabilia in America of his time. He also published or had published some of the most important references on the subject. Other information available.
(23.75-inches x 20.5-inches frame, 18.75-inches x 15.5-inches view.)
339-14 - SOLD
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