An American Silver Fire Trumpet, circa 1865

the stepped flared bell chased with vacant foliate reserved spaced with scrolls, floral sprays and panels of diaper, the stem with two suspensions rings and chased two foliate cartouches, one with fireman's hat, lantern and ladder, mouthpiece chased with conforming floral decoration

engaving rubbed from cartouches on stem, also with lozenge shaped patch where perhaps once on mount
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Although volunteer fire companies were first established in the 1730's, the fire trumpet had not evolved into a popular form of presentation silver until the mid-nineteenth century.  The silver trumpets were often engraved with inscriptions detailing particular heroic events and occasions of exemplary leadership.