HAND  TUBS 
page  2

These simple machines were decorated like fine furniture. There were often oil paintings on the side of the tub. The wheels and ironwork were pinstriped on every surface. Hand tubs are my favorite type of fire apparatus to restore. They have usually been repainted before I work on them. I carefully remove the layers of paint to uncover the original decoration. These decorations are photographed, sketched and traced. A wide variety of complex color combinations and decorative motifs were used in this era. The craftsmanship is often superb.

To the right is a photo of an antique hand tub being pumped at a muster a few years ago.

Before restoration