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This elaborate carved and painted sign adorned the Tiger Engine Firehouse, corner of School and Franklin Streets, Quincy, Massachusetts, from 1846 until the firehouse closed in 1882. The "Tiger", a pump engine built by Thomas Whitaker in 1841, was Quincy Fire Engine No. 2, but kept the No. 2 designation after Quincy No. 1 (Niagara of 1840) was disbanded.
The oil-on-board painted scene is almost identical to the Currier & Ives lithograph, "The Life of a Fireman", by Mauer (copyright 1850). However, it is unknown whether Mauer himself painted this scene. Above and appearing to leap over the painting is a full-size carving of the head and forepaws of a tiger, surrounded by intricate leaf and foliate carving.
From Quincy Historical Society records, it appears that this sign was made in 1846, possibly by William B. Gleason, one of the most skillful Boston carvers of the period.
Extensive historical research and full provenance accompany this magnificent and important example of American Folk Art.
Size: 86" wide x 66" high
Price: $125,000
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