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Up for sale is a fantastic piece of early American firefighting history: an authentic, 19th-century hand-forged Fireman\'s Bed Key Wrench. These vital tools were carried by early fire department volunteers to quickly dismantle valuable wooden rope beds and save them from house fires (household beds were incredibly expensive back then). It would slide over the ends of the wooden bed rails to tighten or loosen those internal bolts.
This particular key features an excellent historical footprint, making it a stellar addition for regional New England or Rhode Island collectors.
The tool is clearly stamped L. WOOD (on the back upper right (see photo), identifying the blacksmith foundry, which according to history was made at the Lippitt Hill family in Cranston RI.! It was found at an estate sale of a home that was built in the 1600s. According to the estate sale company, the house was burned down in the late 1600s and was rebuilt with an addition and still stands today.
Stamped with the initials TW on the top back of the tool above the blacksmith marks indicating the individual firefighter or station division. They did this so the tool could be clearly identified and not get mixed up with another fireman’s tools.
There are also the numbers either 1 9 and 1 5 stamped faintly on the back end of the tool between the notch (see photo) designating the corresponding square nut sizes used for early bed bolts.
Tool shows beautiful, stable dark iron patina. No structural cracks or modern modifications. All stamped text remains crisp (numbers are faint but visible) and highly legible. Please examine photos for exact measurements (measures 5 1/2” on the tool part) and surface traits.
It has not been heavily clew to preserve its authenticity. What a great, rare piece of firefighting history. It is a fantastic crossover collectible for enthusiasts of early American country primitives, antique tools, New England memorabilia collectors, and of course, firefighting memorabilia.
Thanks for looking. It will be securely packed and ships quickly.
