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, "Yankee Worcester 5"

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 dates to the second half of the 19th century. It has raised golden leather lettering that reads “YANKEE/5/WORCHESTER.” The faded painted gold word “EX” can be seen above the number “5.” Yankee Engine Company No. 5 operated in Worchester, Massachusetts.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1854
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1454
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1454

Helmet Frontpiece, "Humane 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 frontpiece was worn by a member of the Humane Fire Engine Company No. 13, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Organized in 1794, it was a hand engine company until it acquired a steam fire engine in 1863, which was replaced in 1865. The company was active until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established. This leather frontpiece was made between 1861 and 1865. The frontpiece is painted black with gold stitching around the perimeter. A gold star is at the top of the frontpiece, which reads “HUMANE/13/CHW” in gold lettering.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1861-1865
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1435
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1435

Helmet Frontpiece, Asst. Foreman 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 metal frontpiece was made during the 19th century. The frontpiece has two red-painted metal banners that read “ASST FOREMAN/HOSE” in brass lettering, with a large brass number “2” in the center. Metal frontpieces were often used in parades or special occasions, rather than in everyday use.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
19th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1472
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1472

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, "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, "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, “Duquesne 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 frontpiece was made by the William H. Wilson Manufacturing Company located at 135 Bowery Street, New York, New York between 1895 and 1900. The dark brown leather frontpiece has a banner at the top with soiled white leather letters that read “DUQUESNE.” There are two small recessed cutouts at the bottom of the frontpiece with the leather initials “FA” inside. This likely stands for "Fire Association". This frontpiece may come from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1895-1900
maker
Wilson, William H.
ID Number
2005.0233.1495
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1495

Helmet Frontpiece, “Volunteer Fireman of Stonington, CT to Passaic Fire Co. of Paterson NJ”

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; possibly around 1868.The shield commemorates the meeting of an unknown No. 2 fire company from Stonington Connecticut with the Passaic No. 1 company from Paterson, New Jersey. The frontpiece is made of light tan leather overall. At the top is a banner with the black leather letters “ONE” with the letter “P” in black paint. The letters “NI” can be seen in red. No known company “PNOINE” company existed, and the missing letters makes identifying the company difficult. A large recessed number “2” is on the upper half of the frontpiece. A banner below has black leather letters that read “STONINGTON Ct”; below that is a recessed cartouche with the black leather letters “TO”; a banner below reads “PASSAIC” in black leather letters. A large recessed black number “1” has the black leather letters “PATERSON, NJ” in a banner below it.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
19th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1497
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1497

Helmet Frontpiece, "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 metal frontpiece dates to the late 19th century. The frontpiece design features a variety of firefighting paraphernalia including two hydrants with protruding hoses whose nozzles cross at the top of the frontpiece, a lamp and axe behind the nozzles. A crossed hook and ladder is at the bottom of the piece. A large number “1” is in the center of the frontpiece, with a crossed hook and ladder behind it.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1866-1867
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1451
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1451

Helmet Frontpiece, "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 leather frontpiece was made during the late 19th century. The frontpiece has tan leather lettering on black banners that reads “PRESIDENT/CHARLESTOWN/VETERAN” with a red star under the word “PRESIDENT.” The word “VETERAN” indicates that the owner was likely the president of the Volunteer Veteran Fireman's Association of Charlestown, Massachusetts, founded in 1884.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
19th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1457
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1457

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, “Friendship 2 JTD”

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 a recessed banner at the top with tan leather lettering that reads “FRIENDSHIP.”A tan recessed number “2” is in the center of the piece. At the bottom is a black recessed cartouche with the tan leather initials “JTD” inside.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
unknown
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1488
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1488

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, "Fireman Howard 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 black leather frontpiece has raised golden leather letters that reads “FIREMAN/HOWARD/1/CFD.”
Location
Currently not on view
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1455
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1455

Helmet Frontpiece, "Bunker Hill 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 black leather frontpiece reads “BUNKER HILL/2/_ _ D” in golden leather lettering. The bottom of the frontpiece is missing several letters before the “D.”
Location
Currently not on view
date made
19th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1456
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1456

Helmet Frontpiece, “Veteran Philadelphia”

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. Two brown banners are at the top and bottom of the piece. The banner has white leather lettering that reads “VETERAN/PHILADELPHIA.” A transfer painted image of a Philadelphia-style end stroke hand pumped fire engine is at the center of the frontpiece. This piece was likely used by a member of the Veteran Firemen’s Association of Philadelphia, an association created in 1887 to maintain the camaraderie of the volunteer fire department after members had retired, or after the introduction of paid companies put an end to the volunteer system.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
unknown
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1493
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1493

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, "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, "Hercules 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 black leather frontpiece was made during the 19th century. The frontpiece has a red banner at the top with raised white leather lettering that reads “HERCULES.” A small red leather star is above a large white number “3” in the center of the frontpiece. A cartouche with a green background is at the bottom of the frontpiece.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
19th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1449
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1449

Helmet Frontpiece, “Staff Boston"

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 is made of white leather, with a red banner at the top with raised white leather letters that reads “STAFF.” The center of the frontpiece has an overlapped monogram that reads “VFA.” Below are two black banners with raised white leather lettering that reads “BOSTON/1833.” The “VFA” likely refers to the Veteran Firemen’s Association of Boston that was formed in 1833. While many Veteran Firemen’s Associations were formed to foster camaraderie and social connections, Boston’s Veteran Firemen’s Association was formed “to repair forthwith to all fires with their badge, and there exert themselves with all skill and power in aiding or assisting any part of the Department.”
Location
Currently not on view
date made
19th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1478
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1478

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, "Steamer NFD 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 during the 19th century. The leather frontpiece reads “STEAMER/1/NFD.” The frontpiece has been blackened by an unknown process, but white letters and a red background can be seen in certain places.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
unknown
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1440
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1440

Helmet Frontpiece, "Agile 6 JJK"

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 has raised white leather letters in banners at the top and bottom of the piece that reads “AGILE/JJK.” A recessed number 6 is in the center of the piece, and three silver stars arc above the word “AGILE.”
Location
Currently not on view
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1460
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1460

Helmet Frontpiece, “Friendship Fire Co 1 EU”

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 soiled or sooty leather frontpiece was made during the 19th century. The frontpiece reads “FRIENDSHIP/1/FIRE CO/EU” in metal embedded into the leather. The metal lettering is unusual for frontpieces, and may point to it being used in parades or special occasions rather than everyday use.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
19th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1473
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1473

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.