Model of steam fire engine

ca. 1900

Place madeNew York, New York, United States, North America

Metal, paint, rubber, leather

Overall: 11 1/2 × 18 × 7 1/2 in. (29.2 × 45.7 × 19.1 cm)

Gift of the heirs of Charles G. Moller, Jr.

1925.30ab

This model represents the type of fire engine used by the New York Fire Department around 1870. The Amoskeag Steam Fire Engine Company located in Manchester, New Hampshire, was a major manufacturer of steam fire engines.

DescriptionModel of a steam fire engine manufactured by the Amoskeag Co.; metal wheels with red painted spokes and red painted metal frame; boiler with brass plates mounted on side on back, the former shield-shaped with black painted "8" at center and the latter with engraved inscription; red painted metal oil tank with attached burner originally suspended below boiler (now detached); driver's seat with tufted leather(?) upholstery; lengths of black rubber hose attached at either side; wood and metal harness assembly.

MarkingsBrass plate attached to boiler engraved: "MODEL OF A / Amoskeag Fire Engine / BUILT BY / STEPHEN BALSER / NEW YORK"; brass shield mounted on side of boiler painted in black: "8"; painted in gold on back of oil tank: "8"

ClassificationsFIRE FIGHTING TOOLS & EQUIPMENT