Museum Collections
Luce Center
Model of hand engine
Object Number:
1933.57ab
Date:
1870-1900
Medium:
Wood, metal, paint, leather, cord
Dimensions:
Overall: 14 1/2 x 31 1/2 x 10 in. ( 36.8 x 80 x 25.4 cm )
Marks:
painted in gold: on front: "ALWAYS / 3 / READY"
relief: on back of pump chamber: "3"
Description:
Model of hand-drawn, hand-powered fire engine; red painted wooden wheels with metal axles support red painted wooden body with applied, gold painted scrollwork on sides and "ALWAYS / 3 / READY" painted in gold on front; pump chamber with gallery on top, columns set in indented back corners, and molded base; rounded back of pump chamber (condenser case?) with "3" in relief; cylinder painted on either side with crossed hook and ladder, helmet, and trumpet; lantern suspended in front; cord wound on spool mounted above front axle and threaded through loops in T-shaped handle at end of tongue.
Gallery Label:
According to the accession records, this model represents the "goose-neck type engine" in use around 1835.
Credit Line:
Gift of the Exempt Firemen's Benevolent Fund Association of the 23rd and 24th Wards, New York City
Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.