James H. Cafferty, Fire Painting, To the Rescue
Signed, James H. Cafferty (1819 to 1869)
American - SOLD
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.
SOLD
339-26
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 - SOLD
Click to view the Chicago World's Fair 1893 Cold Storage Building Fire AAAWT.COM video
An Outstanding Vintage Working Handtub Model, Torrent 1874
In the Style James Smith, NYC, the originals circa 1850s/60s
Likely Made by a Muster Team Member, Competing For Longest Water Stream
Fabricated by an Anonymous Master Craftsman
Please call for additional information, and/or enthusiastic discussion. - SOLD
Working professional fire pumper model with hand painted name "Torrent", and painted date 1874 on both sides of the body. The front axle turns right and left; wheels are spoked; with brass hubs and wheel trim; brass wheel rings. The engine features a large brass pressure chamber and brass pistons; brass pumping arm cradles; small shaped removable brass pins on chains secure the pumping arms 9BRAKES) when underway. There are brass and iron cams that regulate the action of the pumper arms which are painted red and feature beautifully machined brass acorn finials. Ornamenting the apparatus is a cast brass eagle and a working brass bell within scrolled cradle.
Stowed within brass fasteners, on the deck, and within the upper frame are three red and black painted wood and leather nozzles. Fitted to the tub is a large diameter squirrel tail suction hose with strainer having brass fittings. A partial embossed rubber label remains attached to the hose, it reads: "Prescott Seven Ply Storm King Boston"
While endeavoring to learn more about this engine we found an illustrated advertising cover for Prescott and Company (Boston, Massachusetts postmarked February 4, 1910; it’s a start!) (Excellent condition; greatest length including wagon shaft: 37.75”, length of body: 22”, H: 20”, diameter of front wheels: 5”, rear wheels: 7”)
1163-8 - SOLD
Pair of Carved Firehouse Trade Signs, Helmets and Speaking Trumpets
Hartford, Connecticut, Circa 1880
Exceptional High Eagle Helmets with Lettered Fronts, Pine, Original Surface - SOLD
Appearing to be carved in-the-round then sliced in half, each composition representing a halved-side of the whole. The left facing shield displays carved letters "VETE" while the right shield is carved "ERAN"; the bottom of the left shield is carved "HART" and the right "FORD" for VETRAN – HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT. The helmets surmounting crossed speaking trumpets with rope fittings are competently carved. (There are small losses to sections of carved rope, and a few minor restorations to the horns, otherwise fine. L: 43.5”, H: 12”, D: 5”)
1163-13 - 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
Painting, Fire Pumper Answering Alarm, Painted Banner on Canvas
Hartford, Connecticut
Circa 1900 - SOLD
Simons and Fox, decorators specializing in awnings, tents, and flags, specializing in decorations for festivals, fairs, and halls; made parade decorations, Hartford, Connecticut.
(Dimensions: 111 by 77".)
339-27 - SOLD
Fire Engine Panel of the Washington, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Attributed to John Archibald Woodside, Sr. (1781 to 1852)
Circa 1838
Oil on wood with brass plates - SOLD
By the early 1820s volunteer fire companies had begun to paint their fire engines bright colors and commissioned artists 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, pp. 123 and 124. (30 by 17.5")
339-15 - 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
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 - SOLD
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.)
232-53 - SOLD
Hat Box
Volunteer Firefighters
By Joseph S. Tillinghast
New Bedford, Massachusetts
Circa 1835
With Nantucket History - SOLD
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.)
339-16 - SOLD
Broadside, Seneca Falls Fire Engine Works, Rumsey and Co.
Illustrations, Statistics, and Prices for Eight Models
Circa 1880's - SOLD
Excellent; folds as issued, faint water stain, all else fine.
(18.5 by 24")
232-252 - SOLD
Currier and Ives, the Darktown Fire Brigade, Taking a Rest
Published by Joseph Koehler
New York City
Chromolithograph
1894 - SOLD
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.
897-3 - SOLD
Currier and Ives, the Darktown Fire Brigade, Hook and Ladder Gymnastics
Published by Joseph Koehler
New York City
Chromolithograph
1894 - SOLD
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.
897-4 - SOLD
Currier and Ives, the Darktown Fire Brigade, A Prize Squirt
Published by Joseph Koehler
New York City
Chromolithograph
1894 - SOLD
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.
897-5 - SOLD
Trade Sign, Tin
Continental Fire Insurance Company
Minute Man - SOLD
Framed painted tin sign in excellent condition.
Dimensions: 20.25 by 30.5".
883-4 - SOLD
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 - SOLD
The print remains in excellent original condition. (Frame: 34 x 28 inches; view: 24.25 x 18.5 inches)
339-24 - 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
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
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
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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