Museum Collections
Luce Center
Model of steam fire engine
Object Number:
1925.30ab
Date:
ca. 1900
Medium:
Metal, paint, rubber, leather
Dimensions:
Overall: 11 1/2 x 18 x 7 1/2 in. ( 29.2 x 45.7 x 19 cm )
Marks:
engraved: on brass plate attached to boiler: "MODEL OF A / Amoskeag Fire Engine / BUILT BY / STEPHEN BALSER / NEW YORK"
typewritten: on exhibition label found with object: "Model Fire Engine / made by Stephen M. Balser / type used by New York Fire / Depa
Description:
Model of a steam fire engine manufactured by the Amoskeag Co.; metal wheels with red painted spokes and red painted metal frame; boiler with brass plates mounted on side on back, the former shield-shaped with black painted "8" at center and the latter with engraved inscription; red painted metal oil tank with attached burner originally suspended below boiler (now detached); driver's seat with tufted leather(?) upholstery; lengths of black rubber hose attached at either side; wood and metal harness assembly.
Gallery Label:
This model represents the type of fire engine used by the New York Fire Department around 1870. The Amoskeag Steam Fire Engine Company located in Manchester, New Hampshire, was a major manufacturer of steam fire engines.
Credit Line:
Gift of the heirs of Charles G. Moller, Jr.
Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.