Clothing & Accessories

Women's Gown (cheong sam) ca. 1930

Work, play, fashion, economic class, religious faith, even politics—all these aspects of American life and more are woven into clothing. The Museum cares for one of the nation's foremost collections of men's, women's, and children's garments and accessories—from wedding gowns and military uniforms to Halloween costumes and bathing suits.

The collections include work uniforms, academic gowns, clothing of presidents and first ladies, T-shirts bearing protest slogans, and a clean-room "bunny suit" from a manufacturer of computer microchips. Beyond garments, the collections encompass jewelry, handbags, hair dryers, dress forms, hatboxes, suitcases, salesmen's samples, and thousands of fashion prints, photographs, and original illustrations. The more than 30,000 artifacts here represent the changing appearance of Americans from the 1700s to the present day.

Topic: Helmet Frontpieces

Helmet Frontpiece, "Massachusets (sic) 1"

The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information.
Description (Brief)
The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information. The fire company's name and number appeared, often alongside the city or town where it was based. The frontpiece could also include the owner's initials and rank. Most fire helmets had leather frontpieces, but frontpieces could also be made of metal, especially on presentation helmets or those worn in parades.
This leather frontpiece was made by the William H. Wilson Manufacturing Company located at 135 Bowery Street, New York, New York around 1870. The frontpiece has a red banner at the top that reads “MASSACHUSETS (sic)” with a large white leather number “1” in front of a crossed white leather hook and ladder in the center of the frontpiece.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1870
maker
Wilson
ID Number
2005.0233.1437
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1437

Helmet Frontpiece, "Engineer 4th Division"

The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information.
Description (Brief)
The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information. The fire company's name and number appeared, often alongside the city or town where it was based. The frontpiece could also include the owner's initials and rank. Most fire helmets had leather frontpieces, but frontpieces could also be made of metal, especially on presentation helmets or those worn in parades.
This leather frontpiece was made around 1871. The frontpiece is made of white leather with raised white leather letters on red banners at the top and bottom that reads: “FOREMAN/__ON.” Several letters from the bottom banner are now missing, rendering the original word unreadable. A black leather number “1” is in the center, with a black leather hook and ladder crossed behind it.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
unknown
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1443
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1443

Helmet Frontpiece, "Bergen"

The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information.
Description (Brief)
The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information. The fire company's name and number appeared, often alongside the city or town where it was based. The frontpiece could also include the owner's initials and rank. Most fire helmets had leather frontpieces, but frontpieces could also be made of metal, especially on presentation helmets or those worn in parades.
This black leather frontpiece was made in the 20th century. The frontpiece reads “BERGEN/6/TKH” in white. There is a crossed hook and ladder behind this, indicating it was a hook and ladder company. The letters "TKH" at the bottom of the frontpiece are likely the owner's initials.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
20th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1423
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1423

Helmet Frontpiece, “1st Assistant Engineer PFD JHMcI”

The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information.
Description (Brief)
The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information. The fire company's name and number appeared, often alongside the city or town where it was based. The frontpiece could also include the owner's initials and rank. Most fire helmets had leather frontpieces, but frontpieces could also be made of metal, especially on presentation helmets or those worn in parades.
This leather frontpiece was made by the William H. Wilson Manufacturing Company located at 135 Bowery Street, New York, New York around 1875. The white leather frontpiece has two recessed red banners with tan leather lettering that reads “1st ASSISTANT/ENGINEER.” Below, two recessed cartouches with scalloped edges and black backgrounds have white leather letters that read “PFD/JHMcI” inside.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1875
maker
Wilson, William H.
ID Number
2005.0233.1496
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1496

Helmet Frontpiece, “Americus Hose 48”

The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information.
Description (Brief)
The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information. The fire company's name and number appeared, often alongside the city or town where it was based. The frontpiece could also include the owner's initials and rank. Most fire helmets had leather frontpieces, but frontpieces could also be made of metal, especially on presentation helmets or those worn in parades.
This white leather frontpiece was made in the 19th century. The top of the frontpiece has a painted image of Lady Liberty holding an American shield and flag. A red banner at the top has white leather lettering that reads “AMERICUS / HOSE.” A large black number “48” is in the center of the frontpiece. Below, a back banner has raised white leather letters that reads “N.Y. / TO”, below that is two red banners that read “FAIRMOUNT / ENGINE.” This frontpiece was presented by the Americus Hose Company No. 48 of New York, New York to the Fairmount Engine Company No. 32 of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Elaborate frontpieces would be exchanged between companies as mementos of their meeting. Originally organized as a hand engine company, the Fairmount Fire Engine Company No. 32 acquired a steam fire engine in 1860 and operated as a steam fire engine company until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
19th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1470
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1470

Helmet Frontpiece, "3rd Asst Engineer North Adams Fire District"

The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information.
Description (Brief)
The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information. The fire company's name and number appeared, often alongside the city or town where it was based. The frontpiece could also include the owner's initials and rank. Most fire helmets had leather frontpieces, but frontpieces could also be made of metal, especially on presentation helmets or those worn in parades.
This leather frontpiece was made during the 19th century. The frontpiece is made of white leather with red banners and raised white leather lettering that reads “3rd ASSt/ENGINEER/NORTH ADAMS/FIRE DISTRICT.” There is an empty cartouche with red background on the bottom of the frontpiece. The frontpiece likely belonged to a company from North Adams, Massachusetts.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
19th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1463
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1463

Helmet Frontpiece, "Vice President Charlestown Veteran"

The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information.
Description (Brief)
The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information. The fire company's name and number appeared, often alongside the city or town where it was based. The frontpiece could also include the owner's initials and rank. Most fire helmets had leather frontpieces, but frontpieces could also be made of metal, especially on presentation helmets or those worn in parades.
This white leather frontpiece dates to the late 19th century. The frontpiece reads "VICE/ PRESIDENT/ CHARLESTOWN/ VETERAN/ VFA" in white block lettering on a black background. There is black decorative stitching throughout the frontpiece.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1427
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1427

Helmet Frontpiece, "Friendship XII"

The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information.
Description (Brief)
The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information. The fire company's name and number appeared, often alongside the city or town where it was based. The frontpiece could also include the owner's initials and rank. Most fire helmets had leather frontpieces, but frontpieces could also be made of metal, especially on presentation helmets or those worn in parades.
This leather frontpiece was made around 1880-1885. The brown frontpiece has a red banner at the top with raised white leather letters that originally read “FRIENDSHIP” but several of the letters are missing. Below the banner is a recessed white star and the recessed white Roman numerals “XII.” An empty cartouche with green background may have originally contained initials.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1880-1885
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1461
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1461

Helmet Frontpiece, “Treasurer BH Engine Co”

The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information.
Description (Brief)
The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information. The fire company's name and number appeared, often alongside the city or town where it was based. The frontpiece could also include the owner's initials and rank. Most fire helmets had leather frontpieces, but frontpieces could also be made of metal, especially on presentation helmets or those worn in parades.
This tan leather frontpiece has three banners and two circles with dark brown backgrounds that contain tan leather letters that read “TREASURER/BH/ENGINE/CO/PET.” Fire companies, like other clubs and organizations, elected officers such as treasurers and secretaries to help manage their affairs.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1491
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1491

Helmet Frontpiece, “McLean Engine 3”

The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information.
Description (Brief)
The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information. The fire company's name and number appeared, often alongside the city or town where it was based. The frontpiece could also include the owner's initials and rank. Most fire helmets had leather frontpieces, but frontpieces could also be made of metal, especially on presentation helmets or those worn in parades.
This frontpiece was made during the early 20th century. At the top of the red leather frontpiece are two dark brown banners with white leather lettering that reads “McLEAN/ENGINE.” A large white leather “3” is in the center of the piece, below it is a recessed cartouche with a dark brown background. White leather initials “HPS” originally were in the cartouche, but the “H” is missing a stem, and the “P” is completely absent.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1492
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1492

Helmet Frontpiece "Insurance Patrol 1"

The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information.
Description (Brief)
The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information. The fire company's name and number appeared, often alongside the city or town where it was based. The frontpiece could also include the owner's initials and rank. Most fire helmets had leather frontpieces, but frontpieces could also be made of metal, especially on presentation helmets or those worn in parades.
This leather frontpiece was made by Henry T. Gratacap of New York, New York between 1868 and 1869. The frontpiece is painted black, with painted gold lettering that reads “INSURANCE/1/PATROL/R.D.” Museum records note that the Insurance Patrol No. 1 Company was founded in 1869 and located on Little Boys Court in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1850-1900
maker
Gratacap, Henry T.
ID Number
2005.0233.1436
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1436

Helmet Frontpiece, “Lafayette Hose 22”

The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information.
Description (Brief)
The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information. The fire company's name and number appeared, often alongside the city or town where it was based. The frontpiece could also include the owner's initials and rank. Most fire helmets had leather frontpieces, but frontpieces could also be made of metal, especially on presentation helmets or those worn in parades.
This leather frontpiece was worn by a member of the Lafayette Hose Company No. 22, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Organized in 1831, the company was active until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established. The frontpiece is made of white leather, with two red banners at the top that read “LAFAYETTE / HOSE.” A large black recessed number “22” is in the center of the frontpiece, with the raised white leather initials “SR” on a red cartouche at the bottom of the frontpiece.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
19th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1474
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1474

Helmet Frontpiece, "Hope Steam Fire Co."

The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information.
Description (Brief)
The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information. The fire company's name and number appeared, often alongside the city or town where it was based. The frontpiece could also include the owner's initials and rank. Most fire helmets had leather frontpieces, but frontpieces could also be made of metal, especially on presentation helmets or those worn in parades.
This leather frontpiece was manufactured by Anderson & Jones of New York, New York around 1871. It was worn by a member of the Hope Steam Fire Engine Company No. 17, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Organized in 1796 as the Hope Fire Engine Company, a hand engine company, it acquired a steam engine in 1860 and changed its name to the Hope Steam Fire Engine Company No. 17. The company was active until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established. The tan frontpiece originally read “HOPE/17/STEAMFIRE CO/JWA” but several of the letters are now missing. The letters are white leather on a red background.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1871
maker
Anderson & Jones
ID Number
2005.0233.1434
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1434

Helmet Frontpiece, “Philadelphia Fire Dept. Engine Co. 26”

The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information.
Description (Brief)
The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information. The fire company's name and number appeared, often alongside the city or town where it was based. The frontpiece could also include the owner's initials and rank. Most fire helmets had leather frontpieces, but frontpieces could also be made of metal, especially on presentation helmets or those worn in parades.
This patent leather frontpiece was made by Cairns & Brother of New York, New York the mid-20th century. The frontpiece has a brown leather exterior with cutouts revealing a white interior. The frontpiece has stitching around its white recessed upper and lower banner, with stitching also around its edge. The upper banner reads “365” in black paint; the lower banner has the initials “PFD” in black paint. The center of the frontpiece has cut-outs to shape a recessed number “26” in white, surrounded by stitching.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
unknown
maker
Cairns & Brother
ID Number
2005.0233.1504
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1504

Helmet Frontpiece, “Continental Hose"

The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information.
Description (Brief)
The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information. The fire company's name and number appeared, often alongside the city or town where it was based. The frontpiece could also include the owner's initials and rank. Most fire helmets had leather frontpieces, but frontpieces could also be made of metal, especially on presentation helmets or those worn in parades.
This leather frontpiece was made during the 19th century. The top of the frontpiece has white lettering on a red banner that reads "CONTINENTAL/HOSE.” A large white "6" is in the middle with "E" and "D" flanking the number in circles with red backgrounds. The letters "GTA" are in white lettering on a red banner at the bottom of the frontpiece. The letters “GTA” are likely the owner’s initials.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1429
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1429

Helmet Frontpiece, "Neptune Hose 2"

The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information.
Description (Brief)
The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information. The fire company's name and number appeared, often alongside the city or town where it was based. The frontpiece could also include the owner's initials and rank. Most fire helmets had leather frontpieces, but frontpieces could also be made of metal, especially on presentation helmets or those worn in parades.
This leather frontpiece was made by Cairns & Brother of New York, New York during the 19th century. The frontpiece is made of brown leather, with stitched red leather lettering on a white background that reads “NEPTUNE/HOSE/2.”
Location
Currently not on view
date made
19th century
maker
Cairns & Brother
ID Number
2005.0233.1464
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1464

Helmet Frontpiece, "America Hose 2"

The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information.
Description (Brief)
The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information. The fire company's name and number appeared, often alongside the city or town where it was based. The frontpiece could also include the owner's initials and rank. Most fire helmets had leather frontpieces, but frontpieces could also be made of metal, especially on presentation helmets or those worn in parades.
This tan leather frontpiece has two recessed red banners at the top that reads “AMER[I]CA/HOSE” in tan leather letters. In the center of the frontpiece is a recessed number “2” that is painted black. A recessed cartouche with a red background is at the bottom of the frontpiece, which likely held initials that are now missing.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1874
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1874

Helmet Frontpiece, “Winchester Engineer CTS”

The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information.
Description (Brief)
The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information. The fire company's name and number appeared, often alongside the city or town where it was based. The frontpiece could also include the owner's initials and rank. Most fire helmets had leather frontpieces, but frontpieces could also be made of metal, especially on presentation helmets or those worn in parades.
This white leather shield has three dark brown banners with raised tan leather letters that read “ENGINEER/WINCHESTER/CTS.”
Location
Currently not on view
date made
unknown
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1482
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1482

Helmet Frontpiece, "Goodwill 3"

The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information.
Description (Brief)
The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information. The fire company's name and number appeared, often alongside the city or town where it was based. The frontpiece could also include the owner's initials and rank. Most fire helmets had leather frontpieces, but frontpieces could also be made of metal, especially on presentation helmets or those worn in parades.
This leather helmet frontpiece was made around 1860-1870. The white leather frontpiece has the text “GOODWILL” in white leather letters on a red banner at the top. The center of the frontpiece has the white leather number “3” on a blue background. At the bottom of the frontpiece is a red banner that originally read “MDS,” but the letters are now missing.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1860-1870
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1433
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1433

Helmet Frontpiece, "William Penn Hose 18"

The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information.
Description (Brief)
The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information. The fire company's name and number appeared, often alongside the city or town where it was based. The frontpiece could also include the owner's initials and rank. Most fire helmets had leather frontpieces, but frontpieces could also be made of metal, especially on presentation helmets or those worn in parades.
This white leather frontpiece was made during the 19th century. The frontpiece has a black banner at the top and bottom with raised white leather letters that read “WILLIAM PENN / HOSE.” The center of the frontpiece has a red background with scalloped border, and the white leather number “18.” The William Penn Hose Company was located in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1830, it operated as a hose company until 1864, when it acquired a steam fire engine. It served as a hose and steam fire engine company until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established. Because the frontpiece does not show that they were also a steam fire engine company, it’s likely to have been issued between 1830 and 1864.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
19th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1471
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1471

Helmet Frontpiece, “Engineer Charlestown WFD”

The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information.
Description (Brief)
The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information. The fire company's name and number appeared, often alongside the city or town where it was based. The frontpiece could also include the owner's initials and rank. Most fire helmets had leather frontpieces, but frontpieces could also be made of metal, especially on presentation helmets or those worn in parades.
This leather frontpiece was made in the 19th century. The white leather frontpiece has decorative etching radiating from a black star in the center of the piece. Two red banners have raised white leather lettering that reads “ENGINEER/CHARLESTOWN.” A black cartouche at the bottom of the piece has the raised white leather initials “WFD” inside.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
19th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1480
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1480

Helmet Frontpiece, "Northern Liberty Hose & Steam"

The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information.
Description (Brief)
The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information. The fire company's name and number appeared, often alongside the city or town where it was based. The frontpiece could also include the owner's initials and rank. Most fire helmets had leather frontpieces, but frontpieces could also be made of metal, especially on presentation helmets or those worn in parades.
This leather frontpiece was made by the William H. Wilson Manufacturing Company located at 135 Bowery Street, New York, New York sometime between 1860 and 1870. The leather frontpiece is painted black, with gold stitching around the rim. A painted red banner at the top of the frontpiece reads “NORTHERN LIBERTY” and the bottom painted red banner reads “HOSE & STEAM” in gold text. The frontpiece has a large stitched blue number “4” in the center and a lower cartouche originally had the leather initials “TRJ” inside, but the “RJ” is now missing.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
before 1871
maker
Wilson, William H.
ID Number
2005.0233.1438
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1438

Helmet Frontpiece, “Northern Liberty Hose"

The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information.
Description (Brief)
The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information. The fire company's name and number appeared, often alongside the city or town where it was based. The frontpiece could also include the owner's initials and rank. Most fire helmets had leather frontpieces, but frontpieces could also be made of metal, especially on presentation helmets or those worn in parades.
This Northern Liberty leather frontpiece was manufactured between 1860 and 1880. The frontpiece originally had white lettering that read “NORTHERN LIBERTY / HOSE” but many of the letters are now missing. The center of the shield is a faded painted image of Lady Liberty leaning against the shield of the United States, with a pole in her left hand with a liberty cap on top. The Northern Liberty Hose Company was founded in 1828 in the Northern Liberty neighborhood of Philadelphia. Its name was changed in 1859 to “Northern Liberty Hose and Steam Fire Engine Company No.4” when it acquired a steam fire engine. The company was active until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established. The same image of Lady Liberty can be seen an earlier Northern Liberty parade hat seen in object number 2005.0233.0073.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1860-1880
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1442
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1442

Helmet Frontpiece, "Excelsior"

The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information.
Description (Brief)
The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information. The fire company's name and number appeared, often alongside the city or town where it was based. The frontpiece could also include the owner's initials and rank. Most fire helmets had leather frontpieces, but frontpieces could also be made of metal, especially on presentation helmets or those worn in parades.
This leather frontpiece was made around 1865. The frontpiece is painted black with a thin red line around the border. The rest of the frontpiece is painted with a red banner that reads “EXCELSIOR” in gold. Beneath that is a white bucket with a black number “1” in the center. At the bottom of the frontpiece is a blue banner with the initials “J.W.M.” painted in white.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1865
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1432
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1432

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