Antique Firefighter's Brass Fire (Speaking) Horn, ca 1830-1880. 19th Century firefighter's speaking or "brass fire horn" ca. 1830-1880. This horn certainly exhibits its 175+ years which makes it all that more appealing. Very thick brass and at one time tin washed and gleaming with tassel rings still intact. Today these fire horns are a testament to the firefighters in the earliest days of America's metropolitan expansion and these pieces are usually found at institutions across the United States. The New York Historical Society has a fine collection of such horns and can be seen on line.

17 x 6½ x 6½" dented throughout, a small fissure in mouthpiece and patina worn to the beautiful brass showing through. But a war horse given the weight and thickness of this terrific antique piece speaks volumes to the physical toll of the earliest days of firefighting. Estimated Value $500 - 900