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Catalog Data

Maker:
unknown  Search this
Physical Description:
metal (overall material)
Measurements:
overall: 4 5/8 in x 10 in; 11.7475 cm x 25.4 cm
Object Name:
plate, fire engine
Place made:
United States
Description (Brief):
At the core of any fire company is the apparatus used to fight fires and protect lives. This was particularly true of for the volunteer fire fighters in 19th century America. Often purchased with their own funds, their fire engines were the focus of their pride and affection, as well as their identities as fire fighters. Engine plates, often made of brass, would be prominently affixed to engines and inscribed with the company name, number, and founding date. Engine plates could pass from old engine to new, or be kept in the firehouse as a memorial to a departed apparatus.
This curved metal engine plate has "20" engraved in the center of the obverse and "Diligent" engraved on reverse. The plate has holes in the four corners that allowed it to be attached to the engine.
Location:
Currently not on view
Subject:
Fire Fighting  Search this
Credit Line:
Gift of CIGNA Museum and Art Collection
ID Number:
2005.0233.0921
Accession number:
2005.0233
Catalog number:
2005.0233.0921
See more items in:
Home and Community Life: Fire Fighting and Law Enforcement
Cultures & Communities
Work
Firefighting Collection
Fire Engine Plates
Data Source:
National Museum of American History
GUID:
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746ac-a797-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:nmah_1347132