April 24, 2024
Antique Fireman's Cast Iron Bed Key Tool/Wrench - Marked A L FIRMIN
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We are very pleased to offer an antique cast iron "Fireman's bed key" tool/wrench, rumored to be used by early firefighters to take beds apart for removal from burning homes. Taken from a W orthopedia article :" An important tool utilized by early American firemen was the bed key. With firefighting apparatus able to supply only a small stream of water, a fire that began to gain any headway was soon out of control. Arriving firemen quite often opted for immediate salvage efforts in the building on fire and neighborhood volunteers used buckets and hand pumped "engines" to protect surrounding buildings. The bed key was a small metal tool that allowed the men to quickly disassemble the wooden frame of a bed, quite often the most valuable item owned by a family, and remove it to safety."The tool fits three sizes of square nuts, 1/2" / 7/16" / 3/8" and measures 4-1/2" across. It's embossed on one side, "A. L. FIRMIN". The key is in very good, as-found condition, with surface rust/wear consistent with age. An interesting addition to an antique Firefighter tool collection!The winning bidder pays shipping costs. Good luck, and thanks for looking!
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