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Dalmatian Wanted: 1920

San Francisco, 1920. "Underwriters Fire Patrol truck." 5x7 inch glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size.

San Francisco, 1920. "Underwriters Fire Patrol truck." 5x7 inch glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size.

 

On Shorpy:
Today’s Top 5

831 Buchanan Street at Birch

was the residence of Underwriter Fire Patrol Company 2 from 1918 to 1940. This would have been on the NW corner of the intersection with the building facing almost due east. This address fits the street corner at the left of the building, the lighting conditions and the street number of the building to the right ending in 41. At sometime both Birch and Buchanan streets have been interrupted and the area is now condos and parks.

A flare for economy

To John J's point, perhaps the rear fender flare lets you use the same stamping for either side of the truck - possibly important for a relatively low-production vehicle.

Octo-Tread

Vacuum Cup Tires.

Been There, Done That

From 1985 to 1987, I was a fire fighter at Homestead Air Force Base in Florida, which got wiped off the map by a hurricane shortly after I left. We actually had a Dalmatian which had the run of the station, as well as a nice "dog run" out back.

[Fun fact: The breed originated in Dalmatia, which is why they are called Dalmatians, not "Dalmations." - Dave]

Underwriters Fire Patrol Company No. 1B?

I think this is Underwriters Fire Patrol Company No. 1B at 147 Natoma St.

Today 147 Natoma is adorned with "Underwriters Fire Patrol" and "Headquarters". There are two bays but the front seems to have been remodeled.

The early American LaFrance trucks were chain driven. The chain gear was accommodated by the extra front flare on the rear fender. I have no idea what the extra rear flare was for.

Octopus treads

The perfect size and age for your own antique fire engine. I love the octopus treads, something I have never seen on a tire before.

oooooooo Tires

Sporting the famous Octopus brand suction cup tread tires. A favorite among fire crews, for the invisible tire marks that did not need to be cleaned from the truck room floor.

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