$2,963
Polychrome Paint-decorated Leather Fire Bucket, Ancient Fire Society, Charlestown, Massachusetts, 1807, the bucket painted with a spreadwing eagle under ominous clouds clutching a banner inscribed "ANCIEN[T] FIRE SOCIETY," over another banner inscribed "OL--IS & SARGEN[T]," with "Charlestown" inscribed along the seam on the back, on a black ground with red-painted collar, leather-covered swing handle, (imperfections), ht. to top of collar 12 3/4 in. Provenance: Descended through the Daland family of Boston and Salem, who owned the house on Vinalhaven, Maine, where the fire bucket was found. Literature: In the publication A Century of Town Life: A History of Charlestown, Massachusetts, 1775-1887 , by James Hunnewell, Boston, 1888, Hunnewell writes: "The old Fire Societies were formed and maintained for the public or social good...There were three organised after the Revolution, the Phoenix (1795), the Washington (1800), and the Jefferson (1810). The oldest was, however, the Ancient, instituted Nov. 8, 1743, composed of householders acting for mutual protection or aid, and maintained until paid public companies took the place of such early and more restricted associations... Each member was obliged to keep two leather buckets, two bags (1 1/2 x 3/4 yd.) with his name on them, and a bed-key and, on notice of a fire must 'repair with his bucket, bags, and key, to the place where it happens' and 'use his best endeavors' to save the property of the members." Very Read more…
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2011-11-05
