Object Details
- unknown
- Description (Brief)
- As more American volunteer fire fighting companies began to form during the late 18th century, a need emerged for better organized efforts in combating conflagrations. Engineers and officers would use “speaking trumpets” to amplify their voices over the noise and commotion of a fire scene to direct the company in effectively fighting the blaze. Two trumpet variants are reflected in the collection: plain and functional “working” trumpets that were actively used at fires, and highly decorated “presentation” trumpets. Presentation trumpets were awarded to firefighters in honor of their service, or between fire companies during visits, competitions, and musters.
- This brass trumpet was presented to Henry K. Woodruff by the Independence Hose Company of New York in 1862. The trumpet is divided into three sections with two rings that allow for a cord to be attached. The trumpet bears an inscription that reads “Presented by Independence Hose Company, No. 3, New York, to Foreman Henry K. Woodruff 1862.” The Independence Hose Company No. 3 was organized on November 19, 1832. Woodruff was the foreman of the Independence Hose Company from 1862 until the company disbanded in 1865.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Credit Line
- Gift of CIGNA Museum and Art Collection
- ca 1862
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0829
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0829
- Object Name
- trumpet, speaking
- Physical Description
- brass (overall material)
- Measurements
- overall: 18 in x 7 1/4 in; 45.72 cm x 18.415 cm
- place made
- United States
- Associated Place
- United States: New York, New York City
- See more items in
- Home and Community Life: Fire Fighting and Law Enforcement
- Cultures & Communities
- Work
- Firefighting Collection
- Speaking Trumpets
- National Museum of American History
- Record ID
- nmah_1345234
- GUID (Link to Original Record)
- https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746ac-aa9b-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa
