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, “Nameaug”

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 19th century leather frontpiece has a background painted dark blue. The center of the shield features a gold eagle perched on the red, white, and blue United States shield, with a banner in his beak that has “NAMEAUG” written in gold letters with red shading. At the bottom of the frontpiece is the initials “E.A.” in gold lettering with red shading.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
19th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1475
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1475

Helmet Frontpiece, “Deptford 4”

The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s uniform since its present shape was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century.
Description (Brief)
The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s uniform since its present shape was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces typically served to identify the helmet’s owner; detailing the wearer’s initials or their position in the company, the name and number of the company, the type of firefighting unit, or the name of the town where the company was based. Most protective helmets had frontpieces made of leather, but helmets that were presentation pieces or worn during parades could feature metal frontpieces.
This metal frontpiece was made in the 19th century. The frontpiece is made of nickel and reads “DEPTFORD/4” in brass lettering. The Deptford Fire Company No. 4 was founded in 1792 and operated in Baltimore, Maryland during the 19th century.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
19th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1469
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1469

Helmet Frontpiece, “Philadelphia Fire Dept. Engine Co. 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 patent leather frontpiece was made by Cairns & Brother of New York, New York in the mid-20th century. The black frontpiece has two recessed banners at the top and bottom. The rim of the frontpiece and the banners are framed by stitching. The upper banner reads “ENGINE” in white paint; the lower banner reads “13” in white paint. A large white leather number “1” is stitched on to the center of the piece.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
unknown
maker
Cairns & Brother
ID Number
2005.0233.1503
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1503

Helmet Frontpiece, “Philadelphia Fire Dept. Ladder Co. 24”

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 mid-20th century. The red frontpiece has two recessed banners at the top and bottom. The rim of the frontpiece and the banners are framed by white stitching. The upper banner reads “LADDER” in white paint; the lower banner has the number “14”in white paint. The number “24” is stitched into the center of the piece in raised white leather numbers.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
unknown
maker
Cairns & Brother
ID Number
2005.0233.1502
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1502

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, "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, "Foreman 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 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.” The bottom banner originally had a full name on it, but several letters are now missing. 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
ca 1871
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1444
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1444

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, "Rescue 8"

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 late 19th century. The frontpiece is made of red leather, with raised white leather lettering that reads “RESCUE/8.” Behind the number “8” in the center of the piece is a white leather crossed hook and ladder.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
late 19th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1465
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1465

Helmet Frontpiece, "John S. Damrell"

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 1873. The brown frontpiece had gold lettering that reads “John S. Damrell/11/JMN.” The Engine Company No. 11 in the Boston Fire Department was named after former Boston Fire Department Chief John S. Damrell from 1869-1873. The initials “JMN” likely referred to Josiah M. Nottage, a hoseman with the Engine Company No. 11 who served from 1873 until 1894.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1873
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1430
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1430

Helmet Frontpiece "Columbia Hose TS"

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, likely around the mid-19th century. The frontpiece reads “COLUMBIA / HOSE / VIII / TSJ.” The initials “TSJ” are likely the owner’s initials. The Columbia Hose Company No. 8 was founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and was active from 1806 until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
19th century
maker
Wilson, William H.
ID Number
2005.0233.1428
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1428

Helmet Frontpiece, “CH & L Co. No. 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 Cairns & Brother of New York, New York around 1945. Two white banners encircle a simplified flower design at the center. The upper banner reads “CH &L Co No 1” in black leather letters. The lower banner reads “DISTRICT No 4” in black leather letters. The frontpiece likely belonged to a hook and ladder company.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1945
maker
Cairns & Brother
ID Number
2005.0233.1499
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1499

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

Helmet Frontpiece, "Singers Sewing Machine"

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 brown leather frontpiece has four banners that alternate red and blue backgrounds. The top red banner is missing all of its letters except for the last “N.” The next blue banner originally read “SINGERS” in white leather letters, but the first two letters are now missing. The next red banner reads “SEWING” in raised white leather letters. The bottom blue banner has raised white leather letters that reads “MACHINE.” Three white leather stars are stitched into the frontpiece, which also has decorative stitching throughout. Unlike most frontpieces that served to identify firefighters and their companies, this may have been used as an advertising piece. It may also originate with a fire company in Elizabeth, New Jersey, where the first major Singer factory was located.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1489
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1489

Helmet Frontpiece, “Philadelphia Fire Dept. Engine Co. 65”

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 black frontpiece has two recessed banners at the top and bottom. Stitching can be seen surrounding the banners and the rim. The upper recessed banner reads “ENGINE” in white paint; the lower recessed banner has the number “2” in white paint. The raised white leather number “65” is stitched in to the center of the frontpiece.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
unknown
maker
Cairns & Brother
ID Number
2005.0233.1506
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1506

Helmet Frontpiece, "Northern Liberty 8"

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 Joseph Cogan of Boston, Massachusetts between 1865 and 1871. The white frontpiece has white leather letters on red banners that read “NORTHERN/LIBERTY.” A large white number “8” is on a red background, encircled by a black hose with two nozzles.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
before 1871
maker
Cogan, Joseph
ID Number
2005.0233.1439
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1439

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, "Hope Steam Fire Co. 17"

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 worn by a member of the Hope Steam Fire 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 frontpiece has three red banners with raised white leather letters that originally read “HOPE / STEAM FIRE Co. / JHL,” but some of the letters are now missing. A large black number “17” is in the center of the frontpiece. The letters “JHL” likely referred to the owner’s initials.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1452
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1452

Helmet Frontpiece, "Veteran Firemen’s Association"

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 metal frontpiece was made by the Jahn and Oliver Engraving Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania around 1895. The front piece is made entirely of metal, with the overlapping monogram “VFA” in brass in the center. The initials “VFA” stands for the Veteran Firemen’s Association of Philadelphia, that was formed in 1887 after the volunteer firemen ceased active service in an effort to continue the foster camaraderie among veteran firefighters.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1895
maker
Jahn and Oliver Engraving Company
ID Number
2005.0233.1483
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1483

Helmet Frontpiece, "Treasurer of 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 tan leather frontpiece has three dark brown banners with light tan leather lettering that reads “TREASURER/CHARLESTOWN/VETERAN” but the “T” in “VETERAN” is missing. There is a recessed red star on the frontpiece in between the words “TREASURER” and “CHARLESTOWN.” Veterans association, 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
2005.0233.1490
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1490

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, "Fellowship 27 SFE"

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 worn by a member of the Fellowship Steam Fire Engine Company No. 27, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Organized in 1819 as the Fellowship Fire Engine Company, a hand engine company, it acquired a steam engine in 1860 and changed its name to the Fellowship Steam Fire Company of Germantown. The company was active until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established. This white leather frontpiece has two recessed black banners at its top and bottom with the text “FELLOWSHIP / SFE” in white leather letters. The center of the piece has a circular recess with a scalloped border, and the number “27” in white leather letters at the middle.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
unknown
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1875
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1875

Helmet Frontpiece, “Philadelphia Fire Dept. Ladder Co. 13”

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 in the mid-20th century. The red frontpiece has two recessed cartouches at the top and bottom of the piece. The cartouches read “LADDER/21” in white paint. The number “13” in white leather stitched into the center of the frontpiece.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
unknown
maker
Cairns & Brother
ID Number
2005.0233.1500
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1500

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

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