Historic1854 Painted Portland Maine Fire Bucket

Price: 750.

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This is a historical piece of Americana. It is a fire bucket, the style of which was developed and patented in 1854 by the Nathaniel Hayward Co., Haywardville - Stoneham, Maine and made for the Portland Sugar House a landmark company in downtown Portland, Maine, owned and operated by J.B.Brown, the wealthiest man in Portland. The Portland Sugar Works was one of the largest distilleries in America at the time. https://www.mainememory.net/record/6673 They were involved with the refining of sugar from molasses imported from the West Indies. And, the distilling of rum. Their huge plant was destroyed by fire in 1866. Looks like this fire bucket didn't help much. The surface of this piece is just what you want. It is a green / black color with ochre lettering all is superb finish. It has its original bail and handle. The rim is a blacksmith formed iron band. The material is a patented vulcanized hard rubber material developed by Nathaniel Hayward working with Charles Goodyear. This bucket measures 12"tall X 8 3/4" diameter at the top.