May 3rd,1871-Dated, Exceptional Ornately Engraved Presentation Fire Trumpet engraved, “Eagle Hose Co. No. 1 - 1867 - Lawrence, Mass” within an ornate Oval at center with a High Relief GEORGE WASHINGTON Profile Portrait opposite, Silver Plated Museum Quality, Choice Near Mint.
A Museum Quality, silver-plated Presentation Speaking Trumpet of superb ornate form, the flaring bell and body profusely engraved and chased with elaborate scrollwork surrounding a Striking HIGH-RELIEF PROFILE PORTRAIT OF GEORGE WASHINGTON an exceptionally scarce iconographic choice for a fireman's trumpet, Choice Near Mint. It measures fully about 24” long x 3” mouthpiece x 9.25” bell diameter. The overwhelming majority of surviving examples favoring fire-company emblems (ladders, helmets, steamers) rather than a Presidential likeness. The base also has three additional identical High-relief Raised Portraits of a helmeted Warrior, apparently Julius Caesar. At center, within a finely wrought ornamental oval cartouche, the Presentation Inscription reads:



"EAGLE HOSE CO. NO. 1 - 1867 - LAWRENCE, MASS." and additionally engraved separately reads: “PRESENTED TO Foreman - CPT - Forster By EAGLE HOSE Co No 1 May 3rd,1871”.

Dated May 3, 1871, indicates this Fire Trumpet was presented some four years after the company's original 1867 organization. Here, likely commemorating an anniversary, an officer's promotion, a company muster or competition, or a notable service milestone. Lawrence, Massachusetts, was among the most fire-conscious industrial cities in New England during this era. Its densely packed mill housing and gas-lit textile works making a company's fire trumpet as much a civic honor as a working tool. It is in no way to be considered off-the-shelf stock. The pairing of a local fire company inscription with a national, Patriotic “George Washington” motif, rather than the standard fire-equipment vignettes, suggests this was a very Special-Order Engraved Presentation-Grade Commission to be created.

In excellent condition, there are no dents or significant detractions apparent, just one trivial split to the attached mouthpiece outer decoration is likely where it was connected, and specs of silvering loss inside the wide inner horn are unseen as displayed. Overall, it is complete with both tassel rings firmly attached, displaying an overall natural colorful toning enhancing its lovely eye appeal for display, makes this a true museum quality trophy. Determined bidders collecting historic Fire-service Americana, George Washington or Presidential memorabilia have an outstanding opportunity.



May 3rd,1871-Dated, Exceptional Ornately Engraved Presentation Fire Trumpet engraved, “Eagle Hose Co. No. 1 - 1867 - Lawrence, Mass” within an ornate Oval at center with a High Relief GEORGE WASHINGTON Profile Portrait opposite, Silver Plated Museum Quality, Choice Near Mint.








Presentation fire trumpets from the 1860s to 1870s almost always carry fire-company imagery such as steam pumpers, crossed ladders, hose reels, eagle-crested helmets with a presentation cartouche naming a chief, foreman, or company.

A trumpet with a High-relief George Washington Portrait as the central motif (rather than fire equipment) is a genuinely uncommon crossover piece between Americana and Political collectibles and Fire-service memorabilia. A hose company naming itself after a location (Lawrence) while commissioning a Trumpet with a George Washington portrait rather than fire-equipment imagery is atypical. Some companies did this deliberately to signal Patriotism in the Reconstruction-era climate right after the Civil War, which adds a nice narrative.

This example is exceptional in its ornate engraving and decoration, having extraordinary virtually full coverage with both high-relief (rather than flat-engraved) decorations, a fully named and dated engraved historical inscription and is and especially a rare, displaying desirable motif like Washington’s raised profile portrait.
[Gilded Age, Massachusetts, 19th Century America] [Fire Service History, George Washington, Presentation and Trophy Pieces] [Silver, Decorative Arts, Trumpets]