Sterling Siren Fire Horn Value Guide

The Sterling Siren Fire Horn is a quintessential piece of early 20th-century firefighting history, manufactured by the Sterling Siren Fire Alarm Company of Rochester, New York. These mechanical sirens are highly collectible for their high-ratio internal gearing and the iconic 'screaming' sound produced by their spinning slotted drums.

What Is Sterling Siren Fire Horn Worth?

The typical price range for Sterling Siren Fire Horn is $225 - $250 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Functional condition of the high-ratio internal gearing and the volume of the siren sound.
• Originality of the finish, specifically the presence of original red paint or polished brass elements.
• Completeness of the unit, including the original wooden crank handle and mounting brackets.
• Market demand for early American fire apparatus, with current values typically between $225 and $250.

How to Identify Sterling Siren Fire Horn?

• Look for the manufacturer's mark indicating the Sterling Siren Fire Alarm Company of Rochester, New York.
• Verify the presence of a heavy cast iron or steel housing with a wooden handle on the manual crank.
• Check for the internal slotted drum mechanism which is characteristic of the Sterling mechanical design.
• Confirm the construction materials include a mix of cast iron, steel, and brass components typical of the 1910-1940 era.

History of Sterling Siren Fire Horn

The Sterling Siren Fire Alarm Company was founded in Rochester, New York, in the early 1900s. Known for their powerful and durable warning devices, their hand-crank sirens were essential equipment for fire engines and industrial facilities before electric sirens became the standard. The unique 'screaming' sound was produced by a spinning slotted drum powered by high-ratio internal gearing.