Posted 13 years ago
metalman
(31 items)
Found this at a garage sale about 9 yrs ago. Thought it looked cool but did not know what it was at first. Found out it was made 1875-1910 was used as a bellow to pump air into the firemans helmets, then later they would attach the horn and use as a warning devise. This horn came off an old ship here in Seattle the seller told me.
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Hi, came across your post yesterday. I have a similar bellow, but not with the horn, it has been lying in my garage for about 10 years. Any idea what it is worth ?
I've never seen anything used like this for firefighting. This looks like a foot bellows for a small forge for eitherblacksmithing or glass blowing. A real cool item in terrific shape. The horn on it looks cool also,but most likely replaces a hose that would have gone there.
I also have one of these early fireman's air mask pump converted to a "fire alarm horn". I found the history on the internet. The English company who built these also was credited with developing the first underwater diving helmet & pump. I understand that these bellows pumps were replaced in the early 1900's with hand turned rotary air pumps which supplied a consistant air supply in lieu of the bellows which suplied a intermittent air supply. My pump still has the brass "emergency line code" plate on it. I believe the horns were supplied by the same company to convert these to a emegency signaling device. You can see my unit on our web site http://www.oldfirestuff.com . look for English Fire Horn under "Alarms" category.