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  PAINTED FIRE BUCKET WITH BOLD COLORS, PROBABLY MECHANICSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA, ca 1810-30
Dimensions (inches): 12" tall, 7" diameter
Description:
PAINTED FIRE BUCKET WITH BOLD COLORS, PROBABLY MECHANICSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA, ca 1810-30:

American fire bucket with a kelly green background, trimmed and decorated with scarlet red and chrome yellow with striking visual contrast. A serpentine banner contains the text "Mech's. Engine." while "No. 3" appears below it in an oval medallion. Each is trimmed with fern and vine style scrollwork that has a pleasing folk style.

Made between 1810 and 1830, the bucket is constructed in the traditional style, with a conical ovoid form, stitched from heavy leather, having a rope and leather swing handle on metal rings.

"Mech.'s" is probably an abbreviation for Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. Part of greater Harrisburg, it is located in the Cumberland County between the capital Carlisle. The borough was settled in 1806 and named because it was a settlement of mechanics.

This is an excellent example due to its strong colors and design. It's unusual to find a green bucket with such strong color and the painted surface is great for those who value early condition. The overall presentation is excellent and it's great to see an example that is so untouched.

Condition: Part of the leather is absent on the handle, exposing heavy hemp rope underneath. There is minor, expected wear to the painted surface. Rivets in one of the ears of the swing handle were replaced at some point with bolts and square nuts. The leather on the back has shrunk and wrinkled in an area adjacent to the rim on the right side of the seam and a small dent on the left. There are spattered spots on the surface that are more darkly aged.
   
Primary Color: green, red, yellow
Earliest Date: 1806
Latest Date: 1830
For Sale Status: Sold
Price SOLD
E-mail: info@jeffbridgman.com
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