Reliance Steam Fire Engine Company of Philadelphia
Permanent ID:
14660
Call number:
Bc 834 R 279
Date:
1870
Image Description:
Fire company certificate containing five vignettes showing the company firehouse and engines, and firefighting scenes bordering text framed as a badge. Vignettes depict firefighters gathered around a hand-pump, and a steam engine, at their stations near New and Second streets; firefighters racing an engine past the Public Ledger Building (built 1866-1867) and Independence Hall en route to a fire; and firefighters using a steam engine to battle a fire aboard a sailing vessel, and a hand pump to battle a fire at buildings opposite piers at the Delaware River. Also contains above the vignettes two American flags draped over a pole; a panoramic view of cityscape; an empty framed oval, probably to be used for a photographic portrait of the fire fighter member; two oval frames surrounding the company’s institution and incorporation date, 1786 and 1848 respectively; and the company motto "We Persevere to Conquer." Company originally established by Quakers.
Dimensions:
Width: 48 cm, Height: 60 cm
