Pair of Paint-decorated Fire Buckets

Description:

Pair of Paint-decorated Fire Buckets, Charlestown, Massachusetts, c. 1807, the red-rimmed leather buckets painted black overall, the fronts centering spreadwing eagles clutching olive branches and arrows above banners reading "Jefferson Fire Society" and the name "Isaac Kendall," and dated "1807.," the backs inscribed "Charlestown" vertically along the seam, (imperfections),ht. to top of handles 19 1/4 in.

Note: Isaac Kendall, a housewright by trade, was born in Woburn, Massachusetts, in 1777, and settled in Charlestown around 1805, around the time of his marriage to Lucy Sabells, purchasing land at 42 Union Street.

In the publication A Century of Town Life: A History of Charlestown, Massachusetts, 1775-1887, by James Hunnewell, Boston, 1888, Hunnewell writes: "The old Fire Societies were formed and maintained for the public or social good... There were three organised after the Revolution, the Phoenix (1795),the Washington (1800),and the Jefferson (1810)... composed of householders acting for mutual protection or aid, and maintained until paid public companies took the place of such early and more restricted associations... Each member was obliged to keep two leather buckets, two bags (1 1/2 x 3/4 yd.) with his name on them, and a bed-key and, on notice of a fire must 'repair with his bucket, bags, and key, to the place where it happens' and 'use his best endeavors' to save the property of the members."
Estimate $5,000-7,000

one handle cracked in two places, minor paint wear especially to rim.


The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

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