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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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." |
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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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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