Clarke Auction Gallery have announced a unique auction to benefit the volunteer firefighters of Mt Vernon New York.
The city's volunteer firefighters have a proud history that goes back to mid-nineteenth century. To their great credit, much of this history has been preserved by the volunteers for the past 150 years. However, ongoing storage and budget challenges have caused the firemen to consign the collection to Clarke Auction for this sale.
Highlights of the firefighting collection include: a colossal carved folk art plaque of a fireman, two folk art dioramas, silver and brass trumpets, helmets, urns, firefighting trophies, a complete 19th century dress uniform, 1880-1940 ledgers and firehouse rolls, firefighting convention medals dating to the 1880s, oak cabinets, an antique snooker table, old silver plate serving pieces, a firehouse pole, flags and banners, a original 1850s Currier NYC Fireman print, hundreds of photos of fires and firefighters and their equipment including one with Captain Kangaroo and a midget firefighter.
Although most memorabilia originated in Mt Vernon, there are also pieces from New York City and the surrounding area.
Clarke Auction's Ronan Clarke notes: "While our general auctions always have great decorative or antique pieces, I can honestly say that this auction is a once-in-a lifetime event for me and a unique opportunity for collectors of firefighting memorabilia and American history. I thank the volunteer firefighters of Mt Vernon for their 150 years of service and for the chance to auction part of this great history".
For additional lots and details as we continue to catalog, please visit our website at www.ccauctiongallery.com.
