Fire Bucket

Public Domain

ExpandFavorite

Images(5)

Maker John Fenno, Jr.(American, 1732–1812)American, 1732–1812

CultureAmerican

Titles

Fire Bucket

Date1815

Made inBoston, Massachusetts, United States

MediumLeather, iron, oil paint, and varnish

DimensionsTo rim of bucket: 13 1/4 × 9 × 8 1/2 in. (33.7 × 22.9 × 21.6 cm)
With handle standing upright: 20 × 9 × 8 1/2 in. (50.8 × 22.9 × 21.6 cm)

Credit LineThe Bayou Bend Collection, museum purchase funded by the Michael C. Linn Family Foundation at "One Great Night in November, 2012"

Object numberB.2013.1

Current Location

Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens

Folk Art Room

On view

Explore Further

Department

Bayou Bend

Object Type

TOOLS, IMPLEMENTS & WEIGHTS

DescriptionWith a mythical phoenix painted on the front and “ANCIENT FIRE SOCIETY” across the top, this fire bucket refers to the company that was organized in 1743 by a group of citizens in Charlestown, Massachusetts. At the beginning of the 1700s, mutual fire societies were founded by householders who banded together to protect their homes and businesses. These groups persisted through the mid-1800s when they were replaced by salaried brigades. The Society’s Rules and Regulations (1815) clearly stated that “Each member shall constantly keep together in a convenient place in his dwelling house, two leather buckets, and two bags,” the latter referring to the cloth sacks that were used to salvage possessions. This bucket is stamped by its maker, John Fenno, Jr., who made it for Joseph F. Tufts, a local leather tanner.
ProvenanceJosephine and Walter Buhl Ford II, Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan; [Sotheby's, New York, Ford Sale, October 6, 2006, NO8267, lot 9]; […]; [Nathan Liverant and Son, Colchester, Connecticut]; purchased by MFAH, 2013.
Published References Surprisingly, there is little information in print on the subject of fire buckets. Perhaps catalogues of fire-related collections yield more specific information, however, I have not had access to those publications. The fire bucket was catalogued, illustrated and discussed in the Sotheby's catalogue of the Josephine and Walter Buhl Ford II Collection, Property From The Collection of Josephine & Walter Buhl Ford II (New York, 2006), p.19. Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks

Inscribed on front: ANCIENT SOCIETY / FIRE / JOS. F TUFTS / 1815
Inscribed on back: No. 2

Stamped on back: I. FENNO

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

If you have questions about this work of art or the MFAH Online Collection please contact us.