An exceptionally rare, engraved, and beautifully illustrated Baltimore Volunteer Fire Company broadside is being auctioned on eBay.
"This is far and away the largest example of a coated stock-card broadside that we have ever seen or heard of measuring a whopping 12 1/8" x 16 3/4"," says the seller.
According to the listing, the broadside is titled at the top in large and elaborate fonts "A List of members of the Pioneer Hook and Ladder Company". Incorporated into the title area are shield devices inscribed with the date 1859 as well as smaller text that reads "Instituted 1851 / Incorporated 1852". Below the title is a wonderful illustration with a large, central numeral "1" with crossed ladder, hook and fire trumpet superimposed along with representations of billowing smoke and a raging fire. Also printed at the top is the Fire Company's motto - "Prompt in Danger". While the Pioneer Hook and Ladder Company counted only 32 "Active Members" in 1859, the Broadside lists scores of "Honorary", "Privileged" and "Contributing" Members including many of the most esteemed citizens of mid-19th century Baltimore.
The seller adds, "The printed text, illustration and printer's border is actually embossed into the surface of the coated stock card creating a stunningly beautiful appearance that can be both seen and felt on the surface of the Broadside!"
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