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 nickel-plated brass speaking trumpet is unadorned and was in use during the second half of the 19th century. Two rings are attached to the trumpet’s shaft, and a leather strap is buckled through the rings to form a handle. The trumpet has no inscriptions and shows wear in a variety of places.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Credit Line
- Gift of CIGNA Museum and Art Collection
- ca 1890-1915
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0852
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0852
- Object Name
- trumpet, speaking
- Physical Description
- brass, nickel plated (overall material)
- leather (part: handle material)
- Measurements
- overall: 11 3/4 in x 5 3/8 in; 29.845 cm x 13.6525 cm
- place made
- United States
- 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_1346059
- GUID (Link to Original Record)
- https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746ac-b0f9-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa
