Historic Map : J. Riegel Pictorial Map of Philadelphia, Showing Fire Companies, 1838, Vintage Wall Art

An impressive first edition 1938 pictorial map of the city of Philadelphia illustrating that city's historic volunteer fire departments. Based upon a 1937 drawing by Jacob Riegel, the map focuses on the downtown area of modern Philadelphia between the Delaware River and the Schuylkill River. The map itself is derived from a historic map dating to 1794. Riegel has identified the sites of various Engine and Hose Houses as well as other important buildings. Surrounding the map there are illustrations of the various fire companies at work, including renderings of their costumes and logos. Along the bottom of the map there are sketches of historic fire engines, apparently all drawn from models in the collection of the Insurance Company of America, who commissioned this map. This map is identified in the lower left corner as a 'first edition' but it seems likely that this is in fact the only edition.