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

LCC-LFB Fireman in his fire kit with new cork helmet

A London fireman in his fire kit, including the new style compressed cork helmet with its LFB crest, which replaced the traditional brass helmets used since the days of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade. The change was necessary because of the risk of electrocution with the brass helmet and the greater strength, protection and lightness offered by the new helmet

© London Fire Brigade / Mary Evans Picture Library

The Besses o th Barn Brass Band - Paddington Station

The Besses o th Barn Brass Band from Besses o th Barn, an old industrial town situated between Manchester and Bury, in Lancashire. In 1905 the band toured France to promote the Entente Cordiale. Pictured here on 23rd June 1905 at Paddington Station, London on their way to play before the King at Windsor en route to France. The band made two "world tours" in the early 1900s, one between 1906 and 1908/9 and the other also lasting for more than a year. With Alexander Owen as its conductor, the band visited Australia, Canada, Fiji, Hawaii, New Zealand, South Africa and the USA. Date: 1905

© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection