19th Anniversary

RARE PRESENTATION FIRE SHIELDS Signed on reverse in stamp “Wilson Maker 125 Bowery N.Y.” Circa 1875. Original polychrome paint decorated stitched and tooled leather. Measures: 23.5" x 16" (each) Formerly in the collection of the Home Insurance Company, New York City. Live Oak #2, Jackson #1, and Rambler Hose #3 were all volunteer fire companies located in Long Island City, New York. When one fire company aided the other to extinguish a fire such shields were given as tokens of appreciation. They were displayed inside the fire stations. One shield has the Jackson #1 giving such a token to Live Oak #2 the other has Live Oak #2 giving such a token to Rambler Hose #3. ALLAN KATZ Americana

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