Brian Maiher Railroad, Fire, & Petroliana Auction

In 1877, a gold and silver mining town in Colorado was named Leadville after the discovery of lead carbonite. As the mining town required fire security, a volunteer firefighter group was formed. However, it soon became necessary for the Leadville residents to organize their safety operations, and a fire chief was appointed. The upcoming Milestone Auctions event will present a P.J. Cooney fire hose carriage used in Leadville, Colorado by the fire department after its creation in the 1890s. P.J. Cooney Company was a fire equipment company based in St. Louis, Missouri that sold products to fire departments across the United States. This horse-drawn carriage is equipped with brass lanterns, fire axes, and a toolbox.

The auction also highlights a Bowser “Pumpkin Head” clock face gas pump. In 1885, S.F. Bowser created its first kerosene pump and sold it to Jake Gumper, a grocery store owner in Indiana. The kerosene pump was later modified to become a gasoline pump to measure and dispensed gasoline. The available restored gas pump by Bowser has a spinner gauge, brass nozzle, and white hose. The Railroad, Fire, & Petroliana auction, which features the collection of Brian Maiher, also offers railroad collectibles such as Gamewell transmitters, train bells, and railroad signs. Interested collectors can explore the full listings and register to bid online on Milestone Auctions.