Skip to main content Smithsonian Institution

Catalog Data

Maker:
unknown  Search this
Physical Description:
silver plated (overall material)
silk (part: cord material)
Measurements:
overall: 18 3/8 in x 7 5/8 in; 46.6725 cm x 19.3675 cm
Object Name:
trumpet, speaking
Place made:
United States
Associated Place:
United States: New Jersey, Paterson
Date made:
unknown
Description (Brief):
As more American volunteer fire fighting companies began to form during the late 18th century, a need emerged for better organized efforts in combating conflagrations. Engineers and officers would use “speaking trumpets” to amplify their voices over the noise and commotion of a fire scene to direct the company in effectively fighting the blaze. Two trumpet variants are reflected in the collection: plain and functional “working” trumpets that were actively used at fires, and highly decorated “presentation” trumpets. Presentation trumpets were awarded to firefighters in honor of their service, or between fire companies during visits, competitions, and musters.
This silver plated trumpet was presented as a trophy to Thomas Mullen for winning a foot race at the Olympic Circus during the late 19th century. The trumpet features a raised floral motif on the lower portion of the trumpet and an overlapping scale pattern on the upper portion of the trumpet. The trumpet has two rings that are strung with a braided orange cord with tassels. One ring is in the beak of an eagle. There is an inset cartouche with the inscription “Won by/ Thomas Mullen/ of/ Jackson Engine Inc./ No. 4/ at the/ Olympic Circus /Paterson N.J. /Mile Foot Race/ Time 2-25 sec.” Fire companies would often meet at community gatherings to compete in a variety of physical contests, including foot races in order to demonstrate their fitness as firefighters.
Location:
Currently not on view
Credit Line:
Gift of CIGNA Museum and Art Collection
ID Number:
2005.0233.0842
Accession number:
2005.0233
Catalog number:
2005.0233.0842
See more items in:
Home and Community Life: Fire Fighting and Law Enforcement
Cultures & Communities
Work
Firefighting Collection
Speaking Trumpets
Data Source:
National Museum of American History
GUID:
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746ac-ab95-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:nmah_1345749