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 entitled "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.)
$43,000
232-53
Franklin Fire Society-Charlestown-Protection in Danger
Probably owned by Albert Tufts, Charlestown, Massachusetts
Fire Bucket
Washington Cenotaph
Charlestown, Massachusetts
Circa 1800
Fire buckets such as the depicted having identified historic motifs are scarcely encountered. This example, a leather bucket decorated and identified with "Franklin Fire Society-Charlestown-Protection in Danger", with owners name below...( rt) Tufts; only the last two letters of the first name are visible due to surface losses. Charlestown is painted along the vertical seam on the back. The central device is a large cenotaph or memorial urn with initial "W". This urn motif was used on a variety of medals, ceramics, prints and textiles circa 1800 in the months following Washington's death. The paint is 90% intact, all decoration and lettering is original; minor touch-up to small area on the reverse. The handle is period but may be a replacement; detached at one "D" ring with the other ring being a replacement...easily repaired by or leather restorer or yours. Our supposition is that the bucket was owned by Albert Tufts who was born 17 August, 1804; son of Hutchinson Jr. and Mary Locke Tufts.
$8,450
232-88
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.)
$6,375
339-17
Previous Offerings or Gone to New Homes
Fire Bucket, D. Wallis
Beverly, MA, 1795
Painted Leather - SOLD
Period fire bucket painted with [1795] oyster-colored lettering in black oval, oyster border with [D WALLIS/BEVERLY] painted in black surrounding, with deep ochre detail. Some restoration on lettering and black bellflower wreath. Handle detached, otherwise in good condition. (Height: 12”; Mouth: 9”)
1199-1 - SOLD
Fire Department Car Grill Badge
Unknown Maker, Vintage - SOLD
Spread wing eagle clutching ribbon "FIRE" surmounting Maltese cross displaying iconic symbols over crossed nozzles; retains original mounting hardware, nice patina
(3.5 by 4.75")
171-108 - SOLD
Watercolor
Fairy Hose Cart-5
E.J. Lines Foreman
Signed...Henry C. Curtis
27 Congress Avenue - SOLD
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.
339-3 - SOLD
Fire Axe, Viking Style
19th Century - SOLD
As depicted, cast iron axe retaining original red and gold surface, remaining on original handle.
(Length: 38.25 inches.)
818-9 - SOLD
FIREFIGHTING
Extremely Rare Presentation Trumpet
Cranberry cut to clear...
19th Century - SOLD
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.)
505-27 - SOLD
New York City
Veteran Fireman's Association
Large Photograph of Firefighters
New York Fire Department
Circa 1886 - SOLD
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.
232-127 - SOLD
Pair of Painted Leather Fire Buckets
From Brighton, ME - SOLD
The buckets are marked "KAVANAUGH / Relief / 1803" in black letters in a blue oval surrounded by a laurel wreath, tied with a pink ribbon. The buckets themselves are painted green. Very good condition. Both buckets measure 12.5-inches in height.
348-19 - SOLD
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
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