Answering the fire alarm: Yenke Peddler antiques

This distinguished rabbit is worth about $450. (Photo Courtesy of Brenda Yenke)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Summer is coming, and area parks will be the place to be for picnic fun. A reminder from Smokey Bear (now 78): Be cautious with our forests and observe the rules for grilling food!

Smokey himself is a popular collectible, as are firefighting memorabilia such as the great toy engine sets, complete with iron horses and ladders.

Helmets are always impressive, as are lanterns. Fire boxes are definitely few and far between anymore; most are composed of cast iron and are quite heavy. Uniforms, buttons and accessories are also desirable.

As early as the mid-1600s, shoemakers in New York City began manufacturing leather fire buckets. Remout Remountzen came through on this idea, making 100 buckets, all identified by a name or initials. These leather buckets were helpful in extinguishing smaller house fires too.

Glass fire grenades were filled with a flame retardant and were thrown into the fires, where they broke and helped to control the burn. Today, they are a rare and pricey collectible.

Fire trumpets gained notariety in 1752. There were two kinds of trumpets: working horns or presentation horns. The earliest were tin, then brass, with both being hand-painted.

Moosehead Hook and Ladder in Grand Pacific Junction (now a great restaurant), was originally a fire station and still displays museum-worthy objects!

Dear Yenke Peddler,

Any ideas on the age and maker of this pipe-smoking rabbit? We love his large feet and jointed head and arms. Quite a character!

H.L.

Dear Helen,

Your German rabbit is by Edward Cramer and dates to the late 1920s. The hang tag was labeled as Educa, for their trademark. They also put large feet on the various gnomes they made. Known for quality mohair animals and even mechanicals, the family is still producing products today. Value would be $450.

If you have an item for evaluation, send a clear picture with history to Yenke Peddler, Brenda Yenke, P.O. Box 361633, Strongsville, Ohio, 44136. You may also email photos and information requests for Brenda to evaluate at [email protected].

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