Bidspirit auction | Important Early Tin Hose Reel

Important Early Tin Hose Reel - George Brown or Merriam Mfg. Connecticut - Circa Mid 1870's. Throughout the 19th century, the hand drawn fireman's hose reel was a central component in the arsenal of firefighting equipment. It's difficult to assign a definite attribution as to the manufacturer of this magnificent toy. However, it uses stamped tin parts that are most reliably associated with one of two Connecticut makers; either the George Brown Company or Merriam Mfg. The reel is supported by four gold stained chariot sides. Additionally, each side of the hose reel features patriotic chevrons in the form of circular medallions. At the front of the apparatus, one finds ringing bells to clear pedestrians from the street and a pair of gaslit lanterns in the event that the blaze was a nighttime event. This is genuinely one of the most significant early tin fire toys that we know of. Condition: Excellent Plus Condition.