Brass Gallery

LCC-LFB Merryweather self-propelled Fire King pump

First introduced into the UK by Merryweather of Greenwich, SE London, in 1899, by 1907 twenty-one Fire Kings were in operational use around the country, including the London Fire Brigade. A modified Fire King was stationed at Whitefriars fire station in the City of London. The Fire King could travel at a speed of 20-30 mph but was unable to negotiate a significant gradient without stopping to build a sufficient head of steam. Seen here with crew at the London Fire Brigade headquarters, Southwark SE1

© London Fire Brigade / Mary Evans Picture Library

Cap badge, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers

Brass cap badge (the King's Crown Shield) of REME, the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. Oval in shape, with a crown at the top, a pair of compasses at the centre, and a laurel wreath design around the outer edge. The REME Corps was formed in 1942, and this style of cap badge was in use between 1942 and 1947. It has a slide fitting on the back. Date: 1940s

© Mary Evans Picture Library/Gill Stoker

Fabulous Arab Doorway - Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia

An absolutely fabulous Arab Doorway in the port town of Sidi Bou Said Tunisia, with a pair of knockers for the main decorated wooden doors (for ease of knocking when on a camel or on horseback?) and an additional knocker for the smaller inset door, being rapped by a visitor, keen to gain entrance. If the wonders beyond match the ornate glories of the door, then one can appreciate his keenness to gain admittance. Date: circa 1910s

© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection