PRESENTATION and WORKING TRUMPETS
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Chief Andrew Moser
Andrew Moser was Chief of the Department in 1867. Below is his photo with his silver presentation trumpet (likely given to him upon finishing his one year term as chief in 1868 as the inscription dated 1868) - close up views of the trumpet follow. Note the steamer shown on his helmet shield and bell of the trumpet is the first steamer used by Passaic Engine Company 1, which was the only company he beloged to
Andrew Moser Trumpet -- Dayspring Collection
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Neptune Engine Company 2
This silver plated trumpet pictured below was presented to the Neptune Engine Company by the citizens of Paterson, New Jersey through Josiah P. Doremus in 1867. The trumpet has three sections. The lower bell bears an engraved image of a steam powered fire engine. The center portion is an inscription framed by engraved decorative foliage that reads “Presented to Neptune Engine Company No. 2 by Citizens of Paterson, N.J. through Josiah P. Doremus. Sept 2nd 1867.” The upper section has a variety of decorative engravings. Josiah Doremus was a prominent businessman in Paterson, New Jersey during the middle of the 19th century.
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Passaic Engine Company 1
With respect to the Passaic Engine Company One trumpets shown below: (Paterson's first organized fire company named after the river)
The first 3 photos are a silver plated trumpet that was presented to the Passaic Steam Fire Engine Company of Paterson, New Jersey by Archie Graham in 1881. The trophy in engraved with a general floral motif. The upper section features an engraving of a fire helmet with several spears behind it, surrounded by a floral garland. The bell has an engraved image of a steam-powered fire engine and a hook and ladder truck. The center section has an inscription framed in an oval cartouche that reads “Presented by/ Archie Graham/ Competed for by/ Fire Dept. Guard/ of Paterson, N.J./ Won by/ Passaic S.F.E. Co. No. 1/ Nov. 24th 1881/ TEAM/ Henry Schoonmaker/ Michael Carney/ Robert Downie/ Thomas McLean.”
The first 3 photos are a silver plated trumpet that was presented to the Passaic Steam Fire Engine Company of Paterson, New Jersey by Archie Graham in 1881. The trophy in engraved with a general floral motif. The upper section features an engraving of a fire helmet with several spears behind it, surrounded by a floral garland. The bell has an engraved image of a steam-powered fire engine and a hook and ladder truck. The center section has an inscription framed in an oval cartouche that reads “Presented by/ Archie Graham/ Competed for by/ Fire Dept. Guard/ of Paterson, N.J./ Won by/ Passaic S.F.E. Co. No. 1/ Nov. 24th 1881/ TEAM/ Henry Schoonmaker/ Michael Carney/ Robert Downie/ Thomas McLean.”
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The next 3 photos depict a trumpet that was presented to the Passaic Engine Company of Paterson, New Jersey by the Neptune Guard of Newark, New Jersey on October 30th, 1876. The trumpet has an overall floral motif surrounding the various inscriptions and engravings. The bell of the trumpet features an engraving of a steam fire engine on one side and an engraving of an overlapping fireman's hat, trumpet, hook, and fire swab on the other. The center portion of the trumpet bears an inscription inside a shield-shaped frame that reads “Presented to Passaic Engine Co. No. 1 of Paterson by the Neptune Guard of Newark, Oct. 30th 1876, Frank Daly, Capt.” On the opposite side of the trumpet there is an engraving of a crossed hook and ladder. There are two rings that would have been used to attach a tassel to the trumpet. The Neptune Guard was a musket corps composed of members from the Neptune Hose Company of Newark, New Jersey that was in operation around the middle of the 19th century.
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Vigilant Engine Company 6
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Pictured is a rare brass presentation trumpet that now is in the Smithsonian Museum which was presented to the Vigilant Engine Company 6 of Paterson, New Jersey in 1879. The trumpet is adorned with a variety of repoussé patterns and engravings. The trumpet is decorated with a floral motif, with shell designs around the rounded bands of the trumpet. The bands are decorated with raised ovals that encircle the shaft. The bell has a raised image of a crossed hook and ladder behind a work helmet. A shield-shaped insert on the center of the shaft bears the inscription “Presented/ to/ Vigilant Engine Company No. 6/ of Patterson [sic] NJ/ at the/ Annual Fair/ of/ Willis St. Baptist Church/ April 1879.” Above the shield are two axes, two swords, and a belt. A braided red cord is tied to the top and bottom of the trumpet to create a strap. Vigilant Engine Company was founded on January 1st, 1867 and was quartered at the 304 Market Street firehouse (near Straight Street).
FIREFIGHTER THOMAS MULLEN: Jackson Engine Co 4
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This silver plated trumpet was presented as a trophy to Thomas Mullen of Jackson Engine Company 4 for winning a half-mile foot race during the late 19th century. The trumpet features a raised floral motif, with an engraved image of a hose reel on the bell. The trumpet has two rings that are strung with a braided orange cord with tassels.
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There is an inset cartouche with the inscription “Won by/ Thomas Mullen/ of Jackson Engine Co./ No. 4/ at the/ Olympic Circus/ Paterson, N.J./ 1/2 mile Foot Race/ Time 2 min. 38 sec.” Fire companies would often meet at community gatherings to compete in a variety of physical contests, including foot races in order to demonstrate their fitness as firefighters.
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This is Thomas Mullen's SECOND trumpet trophy for winning the same foot race, this time in 2 min. 25 sec.. Unbelievable!!
"This silver plated trumpet was presented as a trophy to Thomas Mullen for winning a foot race at the Olympic Circus during the late 19th c...entury. The trumpet features a raised floral motif on the lower portion of the trumpet and an overlapping scale pattern on the upper portion of the trumpet. The trumpet has two rings that are strung with a braided orange cord with tassels. One ring is in the beak of an eagle. There is an inset cartouche with the inscription “Won by/ Thomas Mullen/ of/ Jackson Engine Inc./ No. 4/ at the/ Olympic Circus /Paterson N.J. /Mile Foot Race/ Time 2-25 sec.” Fire companies would often meet at community gatherings to compete in a variety of physical contests, including foot races in order to demonstrate their fitness as firefighters." |
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Washington Engine Company 3
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This silver plated speaking trumpet, now in the Smithsonian Collection was presented to the Washington Fire Engine Company 3 by the Jovial Club of Paterson, New Jersey in 1860. The trumpet is engraved with ivy and flowers around the entire trumpet and has an inscription inside an oval cartouche framed by tree branches. This inscription reads, "Presented by the Jovial Club of Paterson, N.J. to Washington Fire Engine Company No. 3, February 22, 1860." The braided orange cord with tassels is attached to the trumpet by rings in the shape of fire hats. In September of 1862 many members of the Washington Fire Engine Company formed Company A in the 25th Regiment of the New Jersey Volunteers. This engine company was quartered at 77 Prospect Street.
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Hibernia Hose Company 3
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Presentation trumpet to Leonard Hose Company 3 of Newburgh NY by Hibernia Hose Company 3 of Paterson, NJ., March 1873 Has fire helmet tassel holder on bottom of shaft. The company operated out of Slater Street quarters.
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Protection Engine Company 5
Foreman's Trumpet: Protection Engine Company 5 located on Water Street
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Captain Samuel Simonton (holding unknown trumpet) with Paterson Evening News Publisher Harry B Haines
WORKING TRUMPETS
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Working trumpets usually made of tin or brass were used by company officers (Foremen) or Chief Engineers to broadcast orders at fire scenes.
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At times working trumpets were retired and presented to individuals or other Engine, Hose or Hook and Ladder Companies as seen in this photo of a working trumpet containing a silver shield engraved from Morrisania I to Washington I Paterson NJ.
Of interest is that the Paterson Company was Washington 3 - so an error occurred. |
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