Fire Horn

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Object Name: 
Fire Horn
Maker(s): 
Place Made: 
United States, PA, Pittsburgh
Accession Number: 
69.4.1
Dimensions: 
Overall L: 50 cm, D(rim): 18.9 cm
Location: 
On Display
Date: 
about 1860-1867
Web Description: 
This trumpet-shaped glass fire horn was made for David M. Lyle, chief engineer of the Philadelphia Fire Department from 1860 to 1867. Similar to a megaphone, the fire horn was used by the chief to shout orders to his crew of firefighters. Practical horns were made of tin and brass, which were lighter and more durable in active duty. Glass fire horns were probably commemorative items made to honor distinguished service.

More Info

Department: 
Modern
Provenance: 
Carlen, Robert, Source
Lyle, David M., Former Collection
Fairmount Steam Engine Co., No. 32, Former Collection
Category: 
Early American
Color: 
colorless
Technique: 
glassblowing
Material: 
lead glass

Description

Primary Description: 
Colorless lead glass; blown. Trumpet shape; lightly engraved with stylized flowers on the bell and stem; engraved cartouche surrounding inscription: "Presented/to/David M. Lyle/Philadelphia/By/Harry Tatnal/of/Pittsburgh.", inscription on bell: "John Steen/Maker/Pittsburgh, Pa".

Publications (3)

Glass Bottles, Lamps & Other Objects (1983) pl. 172; BIB# 22375
Pittsburgh Glass, 1797-1891 (1976) illustrated, p. 171 (fig. 150); BIB# 19272
Recent Important Acquisitions, 12 (1970) illustrated, p. 180, #57; BIB# AI97752