Early 20th Century French Brass Fireman's Helmet with Original Leather Liner

This French walnut marquetry folding game box from the early twentieth century is for checkers and backgammon. It is finely constructed with dovetailed corners, inset hinges, and a l...

Originally used in a church, this impressive French hand-forged iron music stand is designed so that a musician can stand on each side. Candleholders extend on the left and right to ...

Standing at 39 inches in height, this large brass and wooden altar piece was originally used in an Italian church to display a statue. The roof of the altar piece is held up by four ...

This early twentieth century French library ladder features an iron rod hinge that allows it to be folded flat for storing. Painted white, this ladder is fitted with three rungs and a slatted top platform to stand on in order to reach high shelves. An ideal piece for use as display space or as unique...

This rare eighteenth century copper and brass braisier hails from the city of Villedieu-les-Poeles, the French capital of copper artisans in Normandy, France. It boasts ornately wor...

This French Louis XVI style planter or jardiniere from the mid twentieth century is constructed of solid walnut and features its original remov...

2 similar French Victorian brass fireman's helmets. (Priced Each).

Leather fireman's parade belt with the word "LIBERTY in white on a red ground, Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, circa 1900 This fireman's parade belt is of the type produced during the latter part of the 19th century, between roughly 1870 and 1900. Made of leather, the body of the belt is black. In the center is a recessed window, with a fancifully scalloped edge, behind which a red leather panel, upon which the word "Liberty" appears in raised, white letters. There is a white binding, it's edge trimmed with pinking shears to create a decorative border. The metal buckle fits into an opposing leather strap, small in scale and riveted beneath the outer one. The words that appear on fireman's parade belts were customized, sometimes displaying the title of the wearer (i.e., "chief" or "clerk"), sometimes the name of the city or town, and sometimes the name of the station, as-is the case in this instance. Attributed to Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania (Columbia County), I acquired it about 25 miles southwest, in adjacent Union County. Bloomsburg's first fire house, Friendship Fire Company, was established in 1868, shortly following the Civil War. Like most volunteer departments of that time, it was staffed by returning Union soldiers who volunteered, enjoying the comradery. Three more would follow, including Rescue Hose & Ladder (1870), Winona (1881), and Liberty Fire Company (1900). In the early 1990's the process was begun to modernize and consolidate all four stations into one. Liberty's fire house still stands on the 100 block of Leonard Street. Probably made in the year the Liberty Fire Company was established, for related parades and festivities, the great thing about this belt is the combination of the wonderful, early, painted surface and the terrific verbiage. While words such as "Clerk," "Bloomsburg," or "Rescue" would have limited appeal, the word "Liberty" opens the playing field to a nation-wide audience. Fire memorabilia...

Although it may resemble a trampoline, this is an extremely rare fire safety net designed to catch those leaping from burning buildings. The net was patented in 1887 by Thomas F. Bro...

Made in early 20th Century France, this mechanical wonder was crafted with an eye for aesthetics, the richly polished wood and meticulously crafted mechanism elevate this piece with ...

Discover the enchanting notes of the past with this Early 20th Century French Wooden Xylophone, a musical treasure wrapped in the charm of yesteryears. Encased in a distinguished bla...

Housed in a wooden and glass vitrine, this small scale was once used for precision measurements. Made at the turn of the 19th Century in France, this mechanical wonder was crafted wi...