1869 Braunert Tub Pumper
1869 German Tub Pumper
This apparatus is referred to as a “tub” because of its ability to hold water in the area around the pump itself. The pump could be primed and begin to “draft” or draw water into the tub during operation. This hand-operated, hand-drawn unit is a classic of the middle 19th Century method of firefighting in Germany.
A team of eight men pulled this unit to the fire either with a “tongue” (not shown) or by the use of leather harnesses. Bucket brigades would form at the fire scene and worked to keep the tub full of water. Or, the suction hose could be placed into a well, cistern, lake or stream.
At least 12 men were
required to operate the pump in order to create 50 pounds per square inch (psi)
pressure through a two-inch fire hose.
Note there are seats
for four (4) riders. When responding to
a fire, one man rode in the unit in the right, front seat.
This position was the brakeman. The screw brake on this apparatus always required the brakeman to be trained to work closely with the men pulling. This required the brake to be completely released when traveling uphill and carefully adjusting the screw brake to apply the right amount of pressure to prevent the wagon from rolling over the men who were pulling the unit when on a downhill grade.
The Oklahoma State Firefighters Museum is very proud to have this apparatus on display. The H. Braunert Tub Pumper is fine example of craftmanship that also addressed a critical need of the mid to late 1800s. You will find this unit in the Museum's Great Hall near Fire Station No. 9.
Manufacturer: H. Braunert
Metal Smelter: Metal Giesserie
Fire Extinguishing
Machine and Equipment
Factory: Feuerloscheasehinen
& Gerate-Fabrik
This unit was made in Bitterfield and was loaned by the courtesy of Bryant Ferguson, New Mexico