The Independent Hose Company No. 1 of Morristown, New Jersey
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Features large bright red wooden spoked wheels, a decorative blue and gold painted
hose drum, upright brass torches [lanterns], and ceremonial red-white-and-blue plume decorations mounted on top…centering bells.
Fine oil painting of an early (Circa 1867) 4-wheel parade carriage. This type of hose carriage is typical of the volunteer fire companies of the period. It was not unusual for the volunteers to have two pieces of equipment. One which they took and used at fires and one which was more elaborate and “dressed up” for parades and firematic events. The carriage depicted clearly appears to be a parade version and is identified as Independent 1 on the front of the carriage and by the artist over the door of the volunteer fire house. If you look closely at the inside of the fire house, you can see the artists’ depiction of various prints and firematic memorabilia. Items such as Currier and Ives “Life of a Fireman” prints published in 1854 were typical and help date the period of this piece which is consistent with the period of the artist John Badeau.
The conclusion is that we have fine painting depicting Independent 1 – a well decorated volunteer fire company 4-wheel parade carriage in front of its fire house by the artist J. Badeau. (Signed at lower left) We Confidently attribute this composition depicting the Independent Hose Company No. 1 to Morristown, New Jersey.The Independent Hose Company No. 1 of Morristown, New Jersey was the first company formed in Morristown [1867]. Shortly thereafter,the Washington Engine Company No. 1 was formed – and their apparatus was moved into the same building with Independent Hose at 15 Market Street. The building still stands today.
The Independent and Washington companies couldn’t get along, so they built a wall between the two apparatus bays…which is visible in the painting.
*We note and thank Chief Jim Chistian (retired) of California [now Arizona] for the generosity of his time; he successfully researched and shared the identifying information and copies of period images shared herewith.
Item Date: Circa 1867
Measurement: Frame: 25.5" x 19"; view: 19.5" x 13"
Material: Oil on canvas
Item Condition: Very good, displays beautifully; lines, trivial touches
Price: $7,500
SKU 1039-92
For More Information, Please Contact David Hillier at 978-597-8084 or email drh@aaawt.com.