H1866p25
Price $525
A Tribute to Heroes, Past and Present
Original 1866 Illustration of the New York Fire Department
You are viewing an original 1866
illustration celebrating the official formation of the New York City Fire
Department. This rare and historically important leaf is approximately 16 x
22 inches, and is 137 years old. Please note that this is NOT a
reproduction or facsimile, it is the original 137 year old leaf.
Prior to 1866, the city of New York was
protected by a completely volunteer fire department. Some of these
volunteer brigades often amounted to little more than roving bands of gangs
and thugs, as depicted in the recent movie "Gangs of New York". By 1866 City
Fathers recognized the critical importance of establishing a professional,
well equipped and disciplined fire fighting force with credentials
equivalent to those of the respected New York Police Department.
The New York City Fire Department was
under the direction of the Fire Commission, comprised of P. W. Engs,
M. B. Brown, C. C. Pinckney, and J. W. Abbe. This commission appointed
Elisha Kingsland as the first fire chief of the newly formed New York
City Fire Department. The city also provided state-of-the-art fire
fighting equipment for its new department, including 30 horse drawn fire
engines, and 10 hook-and-latter units. These represented a significant
improvement in equipment, given the old force used hand drawn pumps.
The horse drawn units could reach fires in a fraction of the time required
by the old hand-pulled units.
This stunning illustration contains a vast
array of amazing historical detail on the earliest days of the New York City
Fire Department.
The print shows various
scenes of the New York Fire department. The center image shows a horse
drawn fire truck rushing to a fire. The firemen are pictured with
traditional fire fighter hats. The image shows lots of interesting details
of the horse drawn fire truck. It also captures a scenario that has become
the hallmark of professional firefighters . . . men, women and children can
be seen running in the street AWAY from the fire, as the brave men on the
fire team are seen racing towards the fire. The upper left
illustration shows an image of the fire hall, and the lower left image shows
a detailed view of the horse drawn fire truck. The lower right image shows
the fire men battling a blazing building.
This is a highly displayable
and collectible print. Original material with such interesting content and
detail is becoming extremely hard to find. This print scores high for
Visual Impact, Historic Content, and Condition. It would make the ultimate
gift for any fire fighter. In particular, it would make a spectacular gift
for any member of the New York City Fire Department. I assure you
that this print will be cherished by its new owner! It would make an
especially poignant gift is framed and presented to your local fire brigade.
What better tribute to a firefighter you know than the gift of this amazing
print?
On the back of the print is a
fascinating story about the New York Metropolitan Fire Department.
You simply don't want to miss
this print! It will make a stunning display when framed, and you can be
assured that is will always be the center of attention, and will become a
treasure that will be cherished for generations to come.
Unlike newsprint of this
century, these older, original pages do not yellow and fall apart. The
reason is that modern newspapers use an acid based process. Remnant acid
in the paper causes the paper to quickly yellow and deteriorate. A
different process was used in the mid-1800's which yielded an exceptional
quality paper that will last for centuries. Special acid free mats should be
used when you frame this piece to ensure that it will last another 150
years. Acid free mats are available at most better frame shops. If you
have any questions related to handling or framing this piece feel free to
email me. The print is approximately 16x22 inches. I have been collecting
Civil War era art for over 10 years. It is a fascinating hobby, and I find
that these pieces really get noticed when framed and displayed.
The print is in excellent
condition. It does not have any tears, stains or other problems. The print
is highly displayable, and I guarantee your satisfaction!
Don't, miss your chance to
own an original and rare piece of Fire Fighting History. I would be
delighted to answer any questions you might have about this important piece.
Simply email me at
paul@sonofthesouth.net.
|