more Steam Engines


Restoring the gold leaf decoration
on steam fire engines.

Steam powered engines began to be produced in the 1850's. They required fewer people to operate, and they could continue pumping for hours. A coal fire boiled water, that drove the pistons with steam, to move the water, to put out a fire. At first these engines were pulled by hand to fires. As the engines increased in size it became necessary to move them with horses.

engraving showing decoration on a similar Amoskeag for Brooklyn NY. Portsmouth NH firemen with their 1870 Amoskeag steamer

Kearsarge Engine No. 3 was built by the Amoskeag Mfg. Co. for Portsmouth NH in 1870. Two years later the Great Fire in Boston overwhelmed the Boston Fire Service. The Portsmouth Fire Department put Kearsarge 3 on a train and came to help. The engine was placed by the South Meeting House to protect the historic building. When the fire was over, structures on three sides of the Meeting House were destroyed, but the "Old South Church" survived. This historic engine was lost for many years. Recently it was found in pieces in an old barn. 1870 Amoskeag steam fire engine cleaned up but not painted

1870 Amoskeag steam fire engine Kearsarge in shopSilver stars and gold stripes on Amoskeag wheelsLines and stripes on front end of 1870 Amoskeag steam fire engineDecoration on front axle of 1870 Amoskeag steam fire engineAmoskeag wheel is Fire Gold work shop for gilding

Below is a factory photo of the hose wagon for Kearsarge 3, built by the Abbott & Downing Co.

factory photo of Abbot & Downing hose wagon for Kearsarge Engine No. 3Portsmouth Fire Dept. shield on coal box corner of Kearsarge steamerGilded steamer wheels leaving Fire Gold shop1870 Amoskeag steam fire engine Kearsarge in shopLines and stripes on front end of 1870 Amoskeag steam fire engineRear axle decoration on Kearsarge No. 31870 Amoskeag steam fire engine Kearsarge in shopGilded steamer wheels leaving Fire Gold shopGilded steamer wheels leaving Fire Gold shopGilded steamer wheels leaving Fire Gold shopGilded steamer wheels leaving Fire Gold shopGilded steamer wheels leaving Fire Gold shopGilded steamer wheels leaving Fire Gold shop






As I apply the decoration, these massive machines begin to appear lighter and more refined. The finished piece is a sophisticated balance of power and style. They may look too busy to modern eyes, but they were the height of good taste at the time.

1875 Clapp & Jones steam fire engine restored by Firefly Restoration.

This steamer was originally pulled by hand. Later, it was rigged for horses and a seat was added for the driver. It is an awkward place to sit with the air chamber and lantern between the horse and driver. Wheel, flywheel and frame of 1875 Clapp & Jones steam fire engine

Blue frame and seat on 1875 Clapp & Jones steam fire engine Fred Conway on his 1875 Clapp & Jones steam fire engine Wheel stripes on 1875 Clapp & Jones steam fire engine. Coal box number 2 on 1911 American LaFrance steam fire engineSteamer wheels preped for gilding in Fire Gold shop.1911 American LaFrance steamer stripes and lines on spring. 1911 American LaFrance steamer front end assembly.

This engine was decorated by Ken Soderbeck of Hand-In-Hand Restoration. I painted the name on the back of the coal box and green lines on some of the iron work.

Button steamer decorated by Ken Soderbeck, lettered by Peter AchornCoal box lettering on Button steamer from Waterville ME
All photos, artwork and information are copyrighted by Peter Achorn and Fire Gold.  © 1999-2019 all rights reserved.
Any perceived copyright infringements are unintentional and will be removed upon request.