Fireman, USA, 1850's

[Shantyman]

Re: Fireman, USA, 1850's

I know there are Civil War era living history units that portray non-military, such as craftsmen, civlians, police and the like. Sometimes I think how grand it would be to find a authentic or reproduction pumper and portray a fire company. "Uggh" pumper, hose, helmets, coats and accesories....think of the pricetag. "Ouch"


Vol. EMT-B Flibotte
Wythe Vol. Fire Co./Rescue Squad

[Mudslinger]

Re: Fireman, USA, 1850's

It's been discussed up here before, as well as back home in Charleston Fire Department about doing a living history impression as fireman. As for the helmets, a good reproduction would run more than one of Daley's greatcoats (no harm intended Chris). the leather helmets can run upwards of $600 ...OUCH!:confused_. The rest of the uniform would not be that difficult to acquire (trousers, coat, bugle, etc..). As for the steam engine, i know a few departments who would be willing to allow us the use of the apparatus as a static display for the weekend. It may be something to look forward to in the future.:D

[Shantyman]

Re: Fireman, USA, 1850's

I have access to look at a period helmet in a private collection, I'll post some pics in a week or so.
If this project ever gets into action, even if its a few years down the road, be sure to start a Event Thread or send me a PM.

[Mudslinger]

Re: Fireman, USA, 1850's

Steve,

You'll be the first one I PM, brother. You can check out a few items in the 1850's collection at:

American Lafrance Museum in North Charleston, SC:

http://www.legacyofheroes.org/

The Montreal Firefighters Museum:
http://www.firebuff-montreal.com/pammuseum.htm"]http://www.firebuff-montreal.com/pammuseum.htm


The staff there would be glad to help with any interest or info. This should help if you do consider a fireman's impression.:wink_smil

[jasonw]

Re: Fireman, USA, 1850's

I've seen this around before for repro leather helmets, fronts, bugles, buckets etc. I have never seen any of it in person so I can't vouch for its quality. Might be worth a look.

http://www.handtubs.com/GSpage4.htm

[Mudslinger]

Re: Fireman, USA, 1850's

Jason,

It is an interesting site, but I would compare those with the originals at the museums or in private collections.

As far as the bucket goes, they turned me away with "Made from a synthetic material but looks like real leather".

It is still an interesting site. Maybe Mr.Duvall could help us out in the future on the buckets?

I'll post the site to the 19th century leather helmets this evening.

[jasonw]

Nick, I agree 100%! I just thought it was an interesting site. They do have a leather bucket down on the bottom of the page. I guess we will have to search for a AC approved vendor for fire equipment! Once I get home I have some photos from the NYC Fire Museum and the Fire Museum of Maryland to post up.

[Mudslinger]

Re: Fireman, USA, 1850's

Excellent! I can't wait to see them!

[Duvall Leatherwork]

Re: Fireman, USA, 1850's

Hey guys,

Yeah, what hell...I make about everything else, I probably could make you some fire buckets! :wink_smil

Get your research together and give me a call...

Nick Duvall
Duvall Leatherwork
314 Wyoming Ave
Kingston, PA 18704
(570)283-9297
duvall_leatherwork@hotmail.com

https://www.duvallleatherwork.com

[Mudslinger]

Re: Fireman, USA, 1850's

Nick,

I was just getting ready to call you about the buckets, but I wanted to get the info & pics first. I'll give you a call this evening.

[Dennis W. Duerbeck]

Re: Fireman, USA, 1850's

There is a fine book on fire equipment, titled "Enjine ! Enjine !" by Kenneth Holcomb Dunshee, printed in 1939. Go to www.abe.com and you will find several copies for sale from different book dealers. I have this book and it is interesting. Good luck. Dennis W. Duerbeck.

[garyjd]

Re: Fireman, USA, 1850's

Guys, Maybe the cost of repros would not be that much. I think someone with access to originals could compare them to the repros on this website. I think it would be a cool impression though it would not be as cool without equipment. ~Gary

http://www.handtubs.com/GSpage4.htm

[Mudslinger]

Re: Fireman, USA, 1850's

Gary,

Jason posted the same link above, and as I said before, it is an interesting site, but the material used to make the buckets are synthetic, and would not be appropriate for the impression:confused_. As far as the equipment, I have access from several departments to use the steamer(s) as a static display only, and use as a functioning engine company would take alot of work, which I'm still trying to pitch the idea strongly:wink_smil. We need the clothing and accoutrements before the equipment, so that's where I have devoted my research first. There is a company in California that reproduces the leather helmets, but I'm trying to determine exactly what year or years that they represent, so we can have an accurate impression at urban events. The current costs were between $500-$600. If we get in a sticky situation,i know that Nicky can probably make them. Hell, he makes everything else outta leather for us, right Nick?:wink_smil Hopefully I'll have something to post as far as the equipment, clothing, etc.. in a few days. Also, if anyone knows of an authentic, urban event or documented event where fireman were active, let me know, and we may be able to fit it in at an event next year.

[garyjd]

Re: Fireman, USA, 1850's

Sorry for double posting the link. I'm going to post a link or two for a few articles I found on the net a few years back in the Civilian Authenticity section. ~Gary

[thad gallagher]

Re: Fireman, USA, 1850's

I wonder what Mr. Duvall's thoughts would be on a few hundred feet of copper riveted leather fire hose.

I would be very interested in an event where one could portray a fire laddie. On the FF social group, there was talk about a living history at Harper's Ferry. It is probably one of a few houses from that time period still around that could still be used.