350 PORTABLE FIRE-ENGINE 1799 Fig. 312, 313, 314
By J. Overbeek, Haarlem
Signed on brass plate on the pump cover: J. Overbeek fecit a Haarlem 1799.
N° 107
Height 600, width 460, depth 230.
This fire-engine, constructed of wood and iron, incorporating a reservoir, pump and
brass nozzle fitted to a flexible leather hose, has a hinged wooden flat that can
be let down and stood on by the operator to stabilize the engine while pumping.
The engine is designed to be carried and operated by one man. The nozzle can
throw a jet of water a distance of 40 feet.
Another complete example of the fire-engine, with additional leather buckets, is to be
found on the premises of Messrs Joh. Enschedé & Zonen, printers, of Haarlem. It
bears a brass plate inscribed:
“ Overbeek & van der Lichte Junior Fecit a Haarlem. N° 173, 1807.”
Both are fine examples of the portable fire-engine designed by Van Marum. The
prototype was made by Jan Paauw Jnr, of Leyden, but later many were made by
J. Overbeek of Haarlem, whose name is mentioned as the current producer by
Van Marum in his article on his invention, published in 1797. Subsequently, J. H.
Onderdewijngaart Canzius of Delft advertised portable fire-engines made to Van
Marum’s design, the price being ƒ 70. -
Beckmann (1846) ii, 245-257, for a brief history of the fire-engine; Muntendam
( J L & W i 1969) 64—66; Forbes (L & W iii 1971b) 278—286, fig. 22, 23, illustrations
ofVan Marum’s engine. See also Cat. 121.
Inv.