Object Details
- 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 work trumpet was in use around the early 19th century. The horn is dented and is made of a single piece of brass. A long braided cord is tied around the trumpet near the mouthpiece and attached to a hook by the trumpet’s bell. The word “California” seems to be engraved on the trumpet.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
- maker
- unknown
- date made
- unknown
- Credit Line
- Gift of CIGNA Museum and Art Collection
- Physical Description
- brass (overall material)
- Measurements
- overall: 17 in; 43.18 cm
- Object Name
- trumpet, speaking
