Wood Engraving, Suspended Harness, circa 1884
THF203683 / Wood Engraving, Suspended Harness, circa 1884 / detail
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Artifact Overview
In a fire emergency, every second counts. During the 19th century, when fire engines were pulled by horses, fire departments and manufacturers of firefighting gear developed systems to harness horses to equipment as quickly as possible. This illustration shows a harness suspended from the ceiling, where it could be lowered onto a horse swiftly when needed.
Artifact Details
Artifact
Print (Visual work)
Subject Date
circa 1884
Collection Title
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
82.129.713
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Paper (Fiber product)
Cardboard
Technique
Wood engraving (Process)
Color
Black-and-white (Colors)
Dimensions
Height: 3.5 in
Width: 4.25 in
Inscriptions
Written in blue ink on mat board:
The suspended harness patented by the United States in 1876. Universally adopted by all cities for use in their fire-departments, and continued in such use while fire-fighting apparatus was pulled by horses.
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Related Content
SetEarly Firefighting
- 32 Artifacts
Fire was a constant menace to American cities well into the 20th century, when most buildings were made of wood and firefighting equipment was underpowered and overmatched. Firefighters risked their own lives to save those of others, to protect property, and to constrain and contain blazes before they grew into uncontrollable conflagrations. Early firefighting relied on mettle, muscle, and machinery that improved slowly but steadily over time.