Horse-drawn steam powered fire pumpers were the standard firefighting apparatus of the late 19th Century, almost all of them using boiler technology patented by Charles Fox of Cincinnati, Ohio. Chris Ahrens began building fire apparatus in 1870, forming Ahrens Manufacturing Company in 1875. By 1910, he was joined by his son-in-law Charles Fox, and the company had become known as Ahrens-Fox where they continued to build from their Cincinnati, OH facility.
In 1919 the company introduced .....
and patented the first modern triple-combination, self-propelled pumper. While other manufacturers used centrifugal or rotary-type pumps, Ahrens-Fox preferred a 4-cylinder piston pump which was well proven in the field and widely known and accepted by fire departments. Ahrens-Fox, perhaps reflecting Charles Fox's experience as a fire fighter in Cincinnati, became known for the high quality of its apparatus. Their last example was delivered in 1952 to Hope Hose Company #1 in Tarrytown, New York.
The super original example offered here is a 1928 Ahrens-Fox N-S-4 triple combination pumper powered by a 998ci T-Head 6-cylinder Super Power engine with dual exhaust valves producing 110 horsepower. It retains its Register No. 3321 identification body tags and was rated with a 1000gpm flow rate when in use. For extra starting reliability in all conditions, the factory electrical system consists of a Delco Magneto and Bosch distributor. It also features traditional right-hand-drive controls, 3-speed manual transmission, 40-gallon fuel tank, front & rear solid axles with leaf springs, and mechanical drum brakes. Apparatus equipment still retained on our well survived N-S-4 include two extension ladders, correct Ryan-Lite heads lights, forward-mounted Sterling electric siren, 12” chrome hand bell, hose bin & reel, onboard water/chemical tank, 2.5” hose, under hood service light & oiling can, 2 standard fire extinguishers (Rough-Riders), 2 small extinguishers, 2 large diameter hose hook-ups, 1 screened pick up, 4 spray nozzles, 1 spear pick, 1 pry bar, and more connections and spare pieces in the storage bins including period hand tools.
The front-mounted piston pump featured the easily identifiable Ahrens-Fox spherical air chamber. Our example was placed in service as the very first motorized engine apparatus ever used by the Fairview Fire Department in 1928. The overall patina of FFD Engine No. 1 is outstanding with much of the original painted filigree details are still faintly visible on body panels and controls, along with the original wood dash, gauges, and green linoleum floor coverings. We replaced the engine oil, cleaned the fuel filter, replaced the original fan belt, & installed a new battery. It continues to start and runs wonderfully providing a robust exhaust note and massive torque! The original fuel tank appears to be in good shape inside, but it now utilizes a smaller, auxiliary fuel cell for operation. We have not made any efforts to utilize the actual pump, but it appears to be all intact like the rest of the truck. Sold on Bill of Sale. Please feel free to call with additional questions or to schedule an opportunity to inspect in person. We look forward to working with you!