Just a little trivia update on this photograph - I originally indicated the photograph was taken about 1877. Only last night I was searching old Sydney newspapers, and thought I would try searching for "Fire Queen" (name of fire wagon in photo) in a slim change I may find something?
Eureka! Found a 1882 newspaper article reporting the presentation/celebration of new fire wagon for the Balmain Volunteer Fire Brigade on 4th November, 1882.
The Mayor's daughter christened the new fire wagon "Fire Queen" by cracking a bottle of champegne on the steel frame. The wagon was built by Howe & Rose of Redfern (Sydney) at a cost of 170 pounds. It could pump 150 gallons of water per minute to a height of 120ft. It was pulled by four horses. My ancestor Robert Thomas Smith was Second Lieutenant of this brigade.
Well, that's my trivia for today - I just love history.
Les