Steam-Powered Fire Engine

Reproduction made by American Cast Iron Pipe Company

About 1940

A reproduction plaque showing one of the first steam-powered fire engines (operated 1857-67), made by Reaney and Neafie of Philadelphia, used by the United Fireman’s Insurance Company of Philadelphia.

  • Titles Steam-Powered Fire Engine (Descriptive)
  • Medium cast iron
  • Dimensions 9 7/16 x 11 13/16 in., 2689.8g (24 x 30 cm, 2.7 kg)
  • Credit Line Gift of American Cast Iron Pipe Company, 1986.524
  • Work Type plaque
  • Classification Plaques

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Oval blue jasper medallion with white relief profile portrait of Sir William Hooker (1785-1865), was an English systematic botanist and organiser, and botanical illustrator. He held the post of Regius Professor of Botany at Glasgow University, and was Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. He enjoyed the friendship and support of Sir Joseph Banks for his exploring, collecting and organising work. His son, Joseph Dalton Hooker, succeeded him to the Directorship of Kew Gardens.
Large, oval, bell-shaped dish cover of creamware, painted in green enamel on both sides with the arms of Abney and Bracebridge (see notes) within a ribbon-tied garland, the lower rim is edged in green and the lower body has a band of dangling laurel leaves in green enamel suspended from pink stems, at the top a pattern of pink and green cabbage leaves surrounds the loop handle, which is edged in green and has a decorative X at the base.
Trophy plate of white jasper with black jasper dip and applied white jasper relief decoration, with a central vignette of Bellerophon Watering Pegasus surrounded by scrolled ribbon and vine banding, the border with floral festoons terminating at ram's heads, trophies and small figural cameos with classical subjects, with a band of florets around the rim.
Solid blue jasper plate with white jasper relief decoration, the rim decorated with large, alternating acanthus leaves and stiff leaf motifs, the center well decorated with the Infant Academy featuring a group of three draped cherub figures posing for another draped cherub figure working at an easel with a vase of flowers, two rolled scrolls and another implement behind him, the underside of the rim is engine turned.