original single american industrial compression type "matthews improved" municipal city street red painted fire hydrant decommissioned from the city of indianapolis streets and sanitation department. the cherry red enameled cast iron hydrant was likely manufactured by the r.d. wood & company, philadelphia, pa. the hydrant contains a double nozzle (i.e., hose and main valve) configuration with patinated weather shield and/or operating nut. the unique fluted bonnet contains manufacturer markings in the form of deeply embossed lettering. original nozzle caps. standpipe removed. nicely weathered and worn surface finish. traces of an older yellow pant finish evident. the r.d. wood company was founded by richard davis wood in 1803, and manufactured valves and pipe fittings out of a plant in florence, nj. washburn race & samuel r.c. mathews formed a company in partnership with birdsill holly, and starting around 1858, had their race & mathews patented hydrant manufactured by niagara mfg. co. in lockport, ny. around 1871, samuel r.c. mathews took this hydrant to the r.d. wood company (now located in philadelphia, pa). the r.d. wood co. was later bought out by kennedy valve around 1963. measures 14 x 14 x 31 inches.