1870s firemen family 6th plate tintypes RIVER POINT HOSE 2 Warwick Rhode Island

Description

Here is a rare double tintype family portrait including a father, mother, daughter and two sons.  These were clearly taken together in the same studio on the same rustic furniture with the father and sons both wearing uniforms from the same fire company.  Their bibs show the lettering "RIVER POINT 2 HOSE" and each man wears matching leather belts with RIVER POINT on the buckles.  The two young brothers sport parade caps with silver fire badges in the shape of Maltese crosses on the front.  These are 6th plate tintypes measuring 2.5 x 3.5" each.  Condition is excellent, light surface wear does not affect images or scratch below the surface.  Good color and clarity.
I looked up the River Point Hose fire company and it was from River Point, Rhode Island which is a neighborhood of West Warwick that historically was a mill village.  In June of 1873, a fire that began in one of the textile mills consumed much of the town and fire engines from Providence, 13 miles away, had to rush to the scene.  River Point Hose was formed out of the increasing need due to mill fires.