Lot 324D email save

HEISS, George. Philadelphia Hose Co. Steam Engine

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Philadelphia: Wagner & McGuigan, c. 1858. Lithograph (405 x 530 mm). Condition: central crease and other creasing, tape strengthening to verso, spotting, trimmed. This lithograph depicts a steam engine on a four-wheeled cart with its hose connected to a water supply from a street hydrant. Two labels are affixed to the body of the engine: "Philadelphia No. 1" and "Reaney, Neafic & Co., Builders, Philada. 1858, Jos. L. Parry Designer." Wainwright notes that "certain artists specialized in a particular type of work. G.G. Heiss, for instance, is best known for his drawings of volunteer fire company equipment. There were a surprising number of volunteer companies in the city. Each had many devoted members, and Heiss's brightly colored pictures of the companies' engines were prized mementoes of exciting public duty" (Wainwright, p. 78). Although this rare print is uncolored, the large wheels and steam engine, presented in a highly detailed and shaded lithograph, provide a robust portrayal of this company's proud engine No. 1.

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