Presented to Mrs. Bishop Matthew Simpson by the Lady Managers in loving remembrance of her laying the cornerstone of the Methodist Episcopal Orphanage, Philadelphia, Oct. 13, 1887.
The back of this trowel (cat. 38208) is marked “Sterling.”
FIRE TRUMPETS
Three fire trumpets in a collection[46] on loan from the Insurance Company of North America are inscribed as presentation pieces. One of these is 22 inches high and has eagle-head handles and an overall repoussé design. This trumpet is engraved:
May 1871 Retired from active service by the establishment of the Volunteer Fire Department In grateful remembrance we restore to Samuel G. Simpson his handsome gift presented by him to the Southwark Fire Co. Nov. 7, 1865.
Another trumpet is engraved with crossed ladders, pikes, and fire helmets against an overall floral design. It is 191⁄2 inches high. The inscription reads:
Presented to Vigilant Engine Co. #6 of Paterson New Jersey at the Annual Fair of the Willis Street Baptist Church April 1879.
The inscription on the third trumpet reads simply:
Presented to Captain George W. Erb by the Ladies of St. Rose’s Fair.
It has an elaborate engine-engraved design and is 211⁄2 inches high.