This vehicle is a vintage American LaFrance fire engine, likely a Type 10 or Type 12 pumper dating from approximately 1910 to 1915.

These early motorized fire trucks were the industry standard of the "Brass Era," and you can identify it by several distinctive features:

Key Identification Features

• The Radiator and Hood: The square, upright radiator with a flat front and the distinctive "ALF" emblem (though small in the photo) is a hallmark of American LaFrance.

• Chain Drive: If you look at the rear wheels, you can see the heavy chains used to transfer power to the wheels, a common feature for heavy-duty vehicles of that era before shaft drives became standard.

• The Equipment: The vehicle is equipped as a "combination" pumper, carrying a chemical tank, hoses, and wooden ladders.

• Wooden Artillery Wheels: The heavy-duty wooden-spoke wheels were designed to support the massive weight of the water pump and engine.

Historic Context of the Photo

The photo was taken by Reid's Studios and serves as a postcard or promotional piece (indicated by the "Over" text and pricing for reprints).

• Location Clues: The background shows The Quaker Oats Company and a sign for Kimball Lumber. Historically, both of these companies had major operations in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

• The Crew: The men are dressed in traditional early 20th-century fire department uniforms, including the high-peaked "officer" caps.