Piano-Box Design, Crane Neck Arches, Squirrel Tail Suction Hose Storage
It is immediately apparent that this engineersmakers model was made by an extremely talentedexperienced fabricator – a working sidestroke model fire engine possibly for competition or commercial use.
The shape of the tub, crane necks, and air chamber are somewhat like those made by Dennison in Newark, NJ. (The only manufacturer that routinely combined both features. The fact that there is only 1 cylinder suggests that it is probably a double acting piston which were rare on hand engines however they were used by a few manufacturers such as Perkins, Bates, Gould, and Farnham [nothing else about this machine resembles an engine produced by these manufacturers].
We haven’t assigned the term “patent model” because it is used too easily for detailed models made in the 19th century. The highly unusual rack and pinion(ish) linkage and the mechanical system detail suggests the possibility that this may be a patent model of a design that was never manufactured… we simply don’t know. What we do know, and guarantee is that this finely crafted piece remains in excellent original condition and dates to the second half of the nineteenth century.
Item Date: Circa 1870
Measurement: Overall height: 8"; overall length: 22.5"; overall width: 7.5"
Material: Walnut, brass, iron, steel
Item Condition: Very good, trivial imperfections commensurate with age
Literature: Firefighting Antiques & Memorabilia by James and Sandra Piatti, Schiffer Publishing, 2001; page 82.
SOLD
SKU 1417-6
For More Information, Please Contact David Hillier at 978-597-8084 or email drh@aaawt.com.
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