$53,325
Working Model of the Hand-Drawn and Hand-Pump Engine Red Jacket, New England, late 19th century, known as a "squirrel-tail" pumper, the model is made of brass, nickel-plated and polychrome-painted metal, the sides with raised brass lettering "RED JACKET" and conjoined "VFA" for the Veteran Firemen's Association, the rear painted "CAMBRIDGE," the square dome-cover is painted with the Massachusetts state seal, two images of Indians, and a coat of arms; it is outfitted with buckets, a main engine lamp flanked by an eagle figure, rubber hose, lanterns, nozzles, and a spool of rope, (which was used in conjunction with the draw bar for the men to pull the engine to a fire), overall ht. 13, lg. 36 1/4, ht. to top of brakes 6 3/4, wd. with brakes extended 12 in.; housed in a glazed mahogany and brass case, ht. 16 1/4, wd. 14 3/4, lg. 45 in., and is mounted with a small brass-framed placard inscribed "FACSIMILE OF THE ENGINE OWNED BY THE RED JACKET VETERAN FIREMEN'S ASSOCIATION/CAMBRIDGE, MASS. This model has thrown a Horizontal Stream the distance of 48 Feet. A CHALLENGE -I will play this Model against any other of its size for $100.00 a side. W.T. KING, CAMBRIDGE, MASS. February, 21st, 1898." Note: William T. King of Cambridge Massachusetts was a noted expert on steam fire engines and author of the book History of the American Steam Fire Engine, published by The Pinkham Press, 1896. This model hand engine competed with other working models, similar in size, and of the s Read more…
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2011-03-06
