Steam Engine Factory

1860s

French & Sawyer

Associated Names
French & Sawyer

Artist, American, active 1860s

The image shows a group of about twenty men gathered around a piece of machinery mounted on wheels, likely a fire engine. The men are mostly standing, with some seated or leaning on the equipment. Most of their bodies are visible, with a few only showing from the waist up. The men are dressed in typical working men's attire of the period, including vests, button-up shirts, and trousers, with some wearing brimmed hats. Facial features of the individuals are indistinct due to the image quality, but some appear to have mustaches or beards. A few individuals are also seen in the windows of a brick building in the background, which has several windows and a door. The background includes the brick building, possibly a fire station or factory, and a wooden fence on the far left, suggesting an industrial setting.

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This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    albumen silver print (carte-de-visite)

  • Credit Line

    The Ross J. Kelbaugh Collection

  • Dimensions

    image/sheet: 6 × 9.8 cm (2 3/8 × 3 7/8 in.)
    mount: 6.1 × 10.1 cm (2 3/8 × 4 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2023.146.108


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Ross Kelbaugh, Marriottsville, MD; gift to NGA, 2023.

Associated Names

Inscriptions

on verso, by Ross Kelbaugh, top left in graphite: KL106; top right: 12KH; center printed in black ink: FRENCH & SAWYER, / KEENE, N. H. / PHOTOGRAPHERS,; bottom center: Additional copies from the plate which this / picture is taken can be had if desired.


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