Vogt Brothers Mfg. Co. - Louisville, KY
Vogt Brothers Mfg. Co started in 1891 and manufactured fire hydrants up into the mid-1960's, possibly longer. Sometime after 1970 they changed their name to VBM Corp. The factory remains, but is now owned by a seed company. See bottom of page for a photo of the factory. Click here to see an original Vogt Bros fire hydrant advertisement from the 1930's.

Two models are documented below but their model designations are currently unknown to FH.O. (If you have any information about this company and/or their hydrants please Contact Us)
  First Model?
This model looks very similar to the East Jordan Iron Works "BR" model; but the later has wide fluting on the nozzle section & lower barrel whereas this Vogt Bros. model has narrow raised ribs.

Three variations of manufacturer embossing have been noted.
  • This first group has "VOGT BROTHERS-LOUISVILLE, KY" embossed around the top of the bonnet rim. They are not size marked.
    • 1535
    Nozzles: 2x 2½"
    Size: 5" V.O.
    Dated: (none)
    Location: John A. collection
    Photo ©2002 J. Anderson

  • This second group has "VOGT BROTHERS LOUISVILLE KY" embossed vertically on the back of the nozzle section. They are size marked.
    • 2176
    Nozzles: 2x 2½"
    Size: 4" V.O.
    Dated: (none)
    Location: Jeff K. collection
    Photo ©2004, J. Kaminski         		1538
    Nozzles: 2x 2½", 1x 4½"
    Size: 5" V.O.
    Dated: (none)
    Location: NE Illinois
    Photo ©2001 J. Anderson

  • This third group has "VOGT BROTHERS MFG CO LOU KY" embossed horizontally on the back of the nozzle section. They are size marked.
    • 2280
    Nozzles: 2x 2½"
    Size: 4" V.O.
    Dated: (none)
    Location: John A. collection
    Photo ©2004, J. Anderson         		0087
    Nozzles: 2x 2½",1x 4½"
    Size: ~4" V.O.
    Dated: 1944
    Location: La Grange, KY
    Photo © E. Kennedy
    1743
    Nozzles: 2x 2½"
    Size: 5" V.O.
    Dated: (none)
    Location: Ed M. collection
    Photo ©2002 E. Masminster         		1775
    Nozzles: 2x 2½", 1x 4½"
    Size: 5" V.O.
    Dated: (none)
    Location: Ed M. collection
    Photo ©2002 E. Masminster         		1739
    Nozzles: 2x 2½", 1x 4½"
    Size: 5" V.O.
    Dated: (none)
    Note: Traffic Model
    Location: Ed M. collection
    Photo ©2002 E. Masminster

      Louisville Spec
    This large hydrant was made to a Louisville, KY city specification. It is of a 1 piece barrel design. Not all hydrants are dated. Not all hydrants are size marked.
    0088
    Nozzles: 2x 4"
    Size: 5" V.O.
    Dated: 1961
    Location: Louisville, KY
    Photo © E. Kennedy

    Vogt Brothers factory ca. 1980
    Photo © and courtesy of Mike Martin

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