Name/Title
Speaking HornEntry/Object ID
2012.1.1Description
Fireman's speaking horn or trumpet plated in coin silver. The horn is ornamented with chasing and bright hand engraving. One side features an engraved steam pumper fire engine. The other side has an engraved bell, fireman's hat, speaking horn, ax, and ladder. Additional engraving cover the throat and mouthpiece. The horn has two suspension rings.Use
Chief of volunteer fire fighting companies often used speaking horns, also known as speaking trumpets, to amplify their directions during a fire. Due to its good condition and ornate decorations, this horn would have likely been decorative rather than utilitarian.Context
The Palmetto Steam Fire Engine Company was first organized in 1858 under Chief William B. Stanley (1810–1888). By 1875 the city of Columbia had five such fire companies, two of which were comprised of and led by Black volunteers. Often numbering more than forty men, the fire companies conducted elaborate drills and frequent parades. Local political leaders like Stanley normally served as company presidents, although Stanley also served as the chief of the entire fire department during Reconstruction. In 1903, the Palmetto merged with three other fire companies to form the capital city’s first paid fire department. A prominent Columbian, Stanley later served as mayor from 1878 until 1880.Inscription/Signature/Marks
Type
InscriptionLocation
ThroatTranscription
From
the Members of the
Palmetto Fire Engine Co
To their
President
W.B. Stanley.Dimensions
Length
18 inDiameter
7-1/2 inDimension Notes
diameter at output endRelationships
Related Person or Organization
Person or Organization
W.B. Stanley
