Work

The tools, rules, and relationships of the workplace illustrate some of the enduring collaborations and conflicts in the everyday life of the nation. The Museum has more than 5,000 traditional American tools, chests, and simple machines for working wood, stone, metal, and leather. Materials on welding, riveting, and iron and steel construction tell a more industrial version of the story. Computers, industrial robots, and other artifacts represent work in the Information Age.

But work is more than just tools. The collections include a factory gate, the motion-study photographs of Frank and Lillian Gilbreth, and more than 3,000 work incentive posters. The rise of the factory system is measured, in part, by time clocks in the collections. More than 9,000 items bring in the story of labor unions, strikes, and demonstrations over trade and economic issues.

This phony time card was maintained for Hang Ngoc Tan for the week of May 10th, 1996. This time card, along with others seized from El Monte by U.S. Department of Labor investigators, shows an employee working eight hours a day.
Description
This phony time card was maintained for Hang Ngoc Tan for the week of May 10th, 1996. This time card, along with others seized from El Monte by U.S. Department of Labor investigators, shows an employee working eight hours a day. Further investigation revealed that she actually worked much longer hours.
On August 2, 1995, police officers raided a fenced seven-unit apartment complex in El Monte, California. They arrested eight operators of a clandestine garment sweatshop and freed 72 workers who were being forced to sew garments in virtual captivity. Smuggled from Thailand into the United States, the laborers’ plight brought a national spotlight to domestic sweatshop production and resulted in increased enforcement by federal and state labor agencies. The publicity of the El Monte raid also put added pressure on the apparel industry to reform its labor and business practices domestically and internationally.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
Late 20th Century
1990s
ID Number
1997.0279.12
catalog number
1997.0279.12
accession number
1997.0279
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2003-04-29
ID Number
2013.3076.01
catalog number
2013.3076.01
nonaccession number
2013.3076
Workers in the famous El Monte sweatshop used this bundle of knit trimming fabric (collars and cuffs) as they sewed Airtime brand shirts. While the sweatshop was located in El Monte, California, Dolphin Trimming Inc.
Description
Workers in the famous El Monte sweatshop used this bundle of knit trimming fabric (collars and cuffs) as they sewed Airtime brand shirts. While the sweatshop was located in El Monte, California, Dolphin Trimming Inc. (where the fabric was cut) was nearly 3,000 miles away in Miami Lakes, Florida. The apparel production business is typified by small shops doing specialization work. Authorities seized the fabric along with other evidence during a well-publicized 1995 raid. The bundle is part of a larger Smithsonian collection of artifacts documenting apparel industry sweatshops, focusing on the El Monte operation.
On August 2, 1995, police officers raided a fenced seven-unit apartment complex in El Monte, California. They arrested eight operators of a clandestine garment sweatshop and freed 72 workers who were being forced to sew garments in virtual captivity. Smuggled from Thailand into the United States, the laborers’ plight brought a national spotlight to domestic sweatshop production and resulted in increased enforcement by federal and state labor agencies. The publicity of the El Monte raid also put added pressure on the apparel industry to reform its labor and business practices domestically and internationally.
date made
Late 20th Century
1990s
ID Number
1996.0292.05
accession number
1996.0292
catalog number
1996.0292.05
This is a double end pry bar designed to pull out nails and for light demolition. The length has a flat shape, one end has a slight curve that is tapered and slotted and the other end is shaped like the claw portion of a common hammer.
Description
This is a double end pry bar designed to pull out nails and for light demolition. The length has a flat shape, one end has a slight curve that is tapered and slotted and the other end is shaped like the claw portion of a common hammer. It was used by Jillian Gross while working for Habitat for Humanity, a not-for-profit, non-government organization advocating affordable housing around the world.
When Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast in August 2005, Jillian Gross had worked with Habitat for Humanity for three years learning woodworking and house-building skills. Groups such as Habitat for Humanity marshaled volunteers, tools and lumber to step in when it became clear that normal avenues of housing assistance were overwhelmed.
In November 2005, Habitat for Humanity launched “America Builds on the National Mall,” a demonstration house-building marathon in Washington, D.C. in which the basic components of 51 homes were assembled within a week and shipped to the Gulf Coast. Upon completion of the project Ms. Gross, one of the house building leaders during this event, donated her tool belt, tools and protective wear to the Smithsonian Institution.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1998-2005
ID Number
2005.0276.11
catalog number
2005.0276.11
accession number
2005.0276
This shield–shaped metal fire badge belonged to the Eagle Hose Company No. 2 of Nyack, New York.
Description
This shield–shaped metal fire badge belonged to the Eagle Hose Company No. 2 of Nyack, New York. The badge has an upper and lower banner that reads “EAGLE HOSE/NYACK.” Two crossed trumpets are behind the upper banner, below the lower banner is a plaque inscribed with the number “2” with a ladder and hook arrayed behind it. The center of the badge is decorated with an image of hose carriage flanked by the initials “F” and “D.” The Eagle Hose Company No. 2 ran with the Mazeppa Company engine to fires during the second half of the 19th century.
Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes. Badges served as official identification at fire scenes, as access to derelict buildings by unscrupulous citizens could result in looting. Fire badges came in a variety of shapes, most notably circular, shield–shaped, or the Maltese cross. While shield–shaped badges were often worn on the chest, circular and cross-shaped badges can be seen on jacket lapels or soft caps. Badges usually detailed the company’s name, number and department, and were often decorated with various symbols of the profession such as hose carriages, hand–pumped engines, hoses, trumpets, helmets, hooks, and ladders. For paid municipal companies, many badges also featured the badge number of the wearer.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1284
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1284
This shield-shaped metal fire badge was used by a member of the fire department of Bayonne, New Jersey. Upper and lower banners read “BAYONNE/DEPARTMENT.” The center of the badge has a brass number “53” with the “FIRE” below.
Description
This shield-shaped metal fire badge was used by a member of the fire department of Bayonne, New Jersey. Upper and lower banners read “BAYONNE/DEPARTMENT.” The center of the badge has a brass number “53” with the “FIRE” below. Below the upper banner is a fire helmet with two crossed trumpets behind it. Bayonne established its paid municipal fire department in 1906, which would be the earliest date associated with this badge.
Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes. Badges served as official identification at fire scenes, as access to derelict buildings by unscrupulous citizens could result in looting. Fire badges came in a variety of shapes, most notably circular, shield–shaped, or the Maltese cross. While shield–shaped badges were often worn on the chest, circular and cross-shaped badges can be seen on jacket lapels or soft caps. Badges usually detailed the company’s name, number and department, and were often decorated with various symbols of the profession such as hose carriages, hand–pumped engines, hoses, trumpets, helmets, hooks, and ladders. For paid municipal companies, many badges also featured the badge number of the wearer.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
late 19th or early 20th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1279
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1279
This is an uninscribed circular metal fire badge. The badge has a rim that is made to resemble a riveted hose.
Description
This is an uninscribed circular metal fire badge. The badge has a rim that is made to resemble a riveted hose. The badge is decorated with a fire helmet at the top, a fire hydrant in the center, and two crossed hose nozzles at the bottom.
Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes. Badges served as official identification at fire scenes, as access to derelict buildings by unscrupulous citizens could result in looting. Fire badges came in a variety of shapes, most notably circular, shield–shaped, or the Maltese cross. While shield–shaped badges were often worn on the chest, circular and cross-shaped badges can be seen on jacket lapels or soft caps. Badges usually detailed the company’s name, number and department, and were often decorated with various symbols of the profession such as hose carriages, hand–pumped engines, hoses, trumpets, helmets, hooks, and ladders. For paid municipal companies, many badges also featured the badge number of the wearer.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1377
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1377
In the early days of firefighting, insurance companies and fire departments worked together at a fire scene.
Description
In the early days of firefighting, insurance companies and fire departments worked together at a fire scene. Fire patrols were organized by insurance companies to patrol a neighborhood and report any fires that occurred, inspect buildings for fire hazards, and work with the fire department to prevent loss of life and property. Patrol wagons were equipped with rubber blankets to protect property from water damage, fire extinguishers, and buckets to squelch small fires, and would pump water from cellars and mop it up from roofs after the fire had been extinguished.
This metal shield-shaped fire badge belonged to a patrolman of the Fire Insurance Patrol of the City of Philadelphia. The badge is decorated with a small torch at the top and a plaque with floral decorations at the bottom. Upper and lower banners read “PHILADA / FIRE INSURANCE / PATROL” in raised letters. The center of the badge bears the raised white metal badge number “62.” The Fire Insurance Patrol operated from 1869 until 1962.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
20th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1383
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1383
This shield-shaped metal fire badge belonged to a member of the fire department of Binghamton, New York. At the top of the badge are crossed trumpets behind a fire helmet. “Binghamton" is inscribed in a banner at top of the badge with "FIRE" inscribed below.
Description
This shield-shaped metal fire badge belonged to a member of the fire department of Binghamton, New York. At the top of the badge are crossed trumpets behind a fire helmet. “Binghamton" is inscribed in a banner at top of the badge with "FIRE" inscribed below. "DEPARTMENT" is inscribed in the banner at the bottom of the badge below the silver number "191."
Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes. Badges served as official identification at fire scenes, as access to derelict buildings by unscrupulous citizens could result in looting. Fire badges came in a variety of shapes, most notably circular, shield–shaped, or the Maltese cross. While shield–shaped badges were often worn on the chest, circular and cross-shaped badges can be seen on jacket lapels or soft caps. Badges usually detailed the company’s name, number and department, and were often decorated with various symbols of the profession such as hose carriages, hand–pumped engines, hoses, trumpets, helmets, hooks, and ladders. For paid municipal companies, many badges also featured the badge number of the wearer.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
late 19th or early 20th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1278
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1278
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
Chinese handbill advertising for garment workers posted in New York City’s Chinatown, 1997Translation: Skirt-pant factory seeking one pocket setter, seeking one zipper setter, seeking two regular lock-stitch operators, 88 Eldridge Street, fifth floor.Currently not on view
Description
Chinese handbill advertising for garment workers posted in New York City’s Chinatown, 1997
Translation: Skirt-pant factory seeking one pocket setter, seeking one zipper setter, seeking two regular lock-stitch operators, 88 Eldridge Street, fifth floor.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
Late 20th Century
ID Number
1997.3111.01
catalog number
1997.3111.01
nonaccession number
1997.3111
Longshoremen are the laborers who load and unload cargo ships.
Description
Longshoremen are the laborers who load and unload cargo ships. Since 1937, longshore work on the West Coast of the United States has been performed by members of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU).
This white cotton cap with a visor was worn by its donor, Herb Mills, a member of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, Local 10, in San Francisco. Mills wore this hat for special union-related events, such as meetings and parades. The cap was made in Korea for “Dorfman Pacific, of Stockton, Califonia.”
Sometimes called the "West Coast Stetson," this type of white cap was worn by West Coast mariners, particularly longshoremen and sailors. Along with black "Frisco" jeans and a "hickory" (blue and white striped) shirt, the soft white cap was once a signature part of "the usual rig" that men wore in part to express their occupational identity. The white cap also served a safety function as they could be spotted even in the dark holds of ships by men on deck who were lifting and lowering heavy slingloads. By the early 1970s longshoremen were required to wear hardhats for safety when working aboard vessels and on the docks. They still wear the "West Coast Stetson," however, at special union meetings and events.
date made
ca 1960
1970s
used date
ca 1970-2001
ID Number
2001.0214.02
catalog number
2001.0214.02
accession number
2001.0214
Spanish handbill advertising for workers posted in Los Angeles garment district, 1997Translation: I need “cover stitch” [workers], sixth floor, #600Currently not on view
Description
Spanish handbill advertising for workers posted in Los Angeles garment district, 1997
Translation: I need “cover stitch” [workers], sixth floor, #600
Location
Currently not on view
date made
Late 20th Century
ID Number
1997.3112.01
nonaccession number
1997.3112
catalog number
1997.3112.01
Workers in the El Monte sweatshop used this spool with the Juki industrial sewing machine seen in object 1996.0292.29a.
Description
Workers in the El Monte sweatshop used this spool with the Juki industrial sewing machine seen in object 1996.0292.29a. The spool was seized during a well-publicized 1995 sweatshop raid and is part of a larger Smithsonian collection of artifacts documenting apparel industry sweatshops, focusing on the El Monte operation.
On August 2, 1995, police officers raided a fenced seven-unit apartment complex in El Monte, California. They arrested eight operators of a clandestine garment sweatshop and freed 72 workers who were being forced to sew garments in virtual captivity. Smuggled from Thailand into the United States, the laborers’ plight brought a national spotlight to domestic sweatshop production and resulted in increased enforcement by federal and state labor agencies. The publicity of the El Monte raid also put added pressure on the apparel industry to reform its labor and business practices domestically and internationally.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
Late 20th Century
1990s
ID Number
1996.0292.26
accession number
1996.0292
catalog number
1996.0292.26
This circular fire badge belonged to a member of the Newark Fire Department with badge number 338. The badge’s rim is encircled by a riveted hose with plaque bearing the number “8” at the top and a crossed trumpet, hook, and nozzle at the bottom.
Description
This circular fire badge belonged to a member of the Newark Fire Department with badge number 338. The badge’s rim is encircled by a riveted hose with plaque bearing the number “8” at the top and a crossed trumpet, hook, and nozzle at the bottom. The badge has a stippled background with an upper and lower banner that reads “NEWARK.FIRE/DEPARTMENT” with the number “338” in the center.
Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes. Badges served as official identification at fire scenes, as access to derelict buildings by unscrupulous citizens could result in looting. Fire badges came in a variety of shapes, most notably circular, shield–shaped, or the Maltese cross. While shield–shaped badges were often worn on the chest, circular and cross-shaped badges can be seen on jacket lapels or soft caps. Badges usually detailed the company’s name, number and department, and were often decorated with various symbols of the profession such as hose carriages, hand–pumped engines, hoses, trumpets, helmets, hooks, and ladders. For paid municipal companies, many badges also featured the badge number of the wearer.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
late 19th or early 20th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1297
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1297
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Associated Date
August - September 2005
referenced
White, Michael
ID Number
2006.0062.02
accession number
2006.0062
catalog number
2006.0062.02
This metal fire badge has a spread–winged eagle at its top.
Description
This metal fire badge has a spread–winged eagle at its top. The rim of the badge is inscribed "Pioneer/S.L.F.D." An image of a steam fire engine is in the center of the badge.
Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes. Badges served as official identification at fire scenes, as access to derelict buildings by unscrupulous citizens could result in looting. Fire badges came in a variety of shapes, most notably circular, shield–shaped, or the Maltese cross. While shield–shaped badges were often worn on the chest, circular and cross-shaped badges can be seen on jacket lapels or soft caps. Badges usually detailed the company’s name, number and department, and were often decorated with various symbols of the profession such as hose carriages, hand–pumped engines, hoses, trumpets, helmets, hooks, and ladders. For paid municipal companies, many badges also featured the badge number of the wearer.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
late 19th or early 20th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1285
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1285
This gold colored pin features a raised fist holding a cargo hook, the combination of symbols that became associated with the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) in 1971.
Description
This gold colored pin features a raised fist holding a cargo hook, the combination of symbols that became associated with the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) in 1971. The cargo hook is the traditional tool associated with longshoremen—the laborers who load and unload ships—and evokes the rough work of moving heavy cargoes prior to the mechanization of waterfront work. In a nod to their occupational roots, the ILWU longshoremen adopted the fist and cargo hook symbol when they voted to strike in 1971, a strike that centered on their opposition and resistance to elements of a labor contract regarding mechanization.
The 1971 strike grew out of the tumult of the 1960s, when both the ILWU and the shipping companies, represented by the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA), recognized that new technologies would drastically cut the number of cargo-handling jobs. With the introduction of standardized shipping containers and innovations in global communications technologies, the need for gangs of longshoremen to handle individual bags, boxes, pallets, and crates was significantly reduced. While the shipping companies were anxious to adopt containerization with its intermodal capabilities—the same container could be carried by ship, rail, and tractor trailer—the longshoremen were wary of giving any ground on the basic requirement that only members of the ILWU could handle cargo in West Coast ports.
By 1971, general unrest boiled over into a strike that lasted 130 days and affected all commercial ports along the coast. One of the key issues proposed changes in work practices that would allow shipping companies to employ certain longshoremen trained as container crane operators on a permanent basis. Shipping companies had invested heavily in container ships, cranes, and other shoreside facilities, and they wanted to select and train the men who would operate the costly machines, essentially employing them regularly as “steady men.” From the union’s perspective, this proposal would create elite workers within the union, effectively blocking jobs from some members. Union members believed this special treatment violated a core value of the union, which had always stood for the strict rotation of all waterfront jobs among members.
This pin was worn by Local 10 (San Francisco) ILWU longshoreman Herb Mills, who was a strong supporter of the coastwide strike in 1971. The strike resulted in some gains for the shipping companies on the “steady man” issue, but upheld the requirement that all cargoes, including containers, would still be loaded and unloaded in West Coast ports by members of the ILWU.
date made
ca 1971
used date
ca 1971-2001
ID Number
2001.0214.04
catalog number
2001.0214.04
accession number
2001.0214
The traditional American leather firefighter’s helmet with its distinctive long rear brim, frontpiece, and crest adornment was first developed around 1821-1836 in New York City. Henry T.
Description
The traditional American leather firefighter’s helmet with its distinctive long rear brim, frontpiece, and crest adornment was first developed around 1821-1836 in New York City. Henry T. Gratacap, a New York City luggage maker by trade, is often credited as the developer of this style of fire helmet. Gratacap created a specially treated leather helmet with a segmented “comb” design that led to unparalleled durability and strength. The elongated rear brim (also known as a duckbill or beavertail) and frontpiece were 19th century innovations that remain the most identifiable feature of firefighter’s helmets. The body of the helmet was primarily designed to deflect falling debris, the rear brim prevented water from running down firefighters’ backs, and their sturdy crowns could aid, if necessary, in breaking windows.
This leather fire helmet was manufactured by Cairns & Brother of New York, New York. The helmet has eight combs and is painted white overall, with a leaping metal lion frontpiece holder. The leather frontpiece is painted white with a painted gold rim, with the word “CHIEF” in large gold letters in the center of the frontpiece. Two red ribbons are attached to the back of the helmet’s brim for decorative effect.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
20th century
maker
Cairns & Brother
ID Number
2005.0233.0214
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0214
This circular metal fire badge was used by a member of the Morrisania Fire Department No. 1 from the South Bronx, New York.
Description
This circular metal fire badge was used by a member of the Morrisania Fire Department No. 1 from the South Bronx, New York. The badge has a rim made to resemble a riveted fire hose, with a small plaque at the top that is inscribed with the number “18.” The badge has a stippled background and bears the text “MORRISANIA/F.D.” in raised letters. A raised number “1” of white metal is in the center of the badge. The Morrisania Fire Department operated from 1856 until 1874, when the Borough of The Bronx became part of the City of New York and the FDNY took over firefighting duties.
Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes. Badges served as official identification at fire scenes, as access to derelict buildings by unscrupulous citizens could result in looting. Fire badges came in a variety of shapes, most notably circular, shield–shaped, or the Maltese cross. While shield–shaped badges were often worn on the chest, circular and cross-shaped badges can be seen on jacket lapels or soft caps. Badges usually detailed the company’s name, number and department, and were often decorated with various symbols of the profession such as hose carriages, hand–pumped engines, hoses, trumpets, helmets, hooks, and ladders. For paid municipal companies, many badges also featured the badge number of the wearer.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1374
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1374
Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes.
Description
Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes. Badges served as official identification at fire scenes, as access to derelict buildings by unscrupulous citizens could result in looting. Fire badges came in a variety of shapes, most notably circular, shield–shaped, or the Maltese cross. While shield–shaped badges were often worn on the chest, circular and cross-shaped badges can be seen on jacket lapels or soft caps. Badges usually detailed the company’s name, number and department, and were often decorated with various symbols of the profession such as hose carriages, hand–pumped engines, hoses, trumpets, helmets, hooks, and ladders. For paid municipal companies, many badges also featured the badge number of the wearer.
This gold-colored cross-shaped fire badge was used by a member of the Reserve Fire Force of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania which was established in 1953 and was active until circa 1980. Members of the Reserve Fire Force were unpaid volunteers trained by regular members of the Fire Department to fight fires in times of emergency. The circular center of the badge bears the inscription “RESERVE FIRE FORCE / PHILA.” around the rim with all filled in with black enamel. The center of the badge has four crossed speaking trumpets, which often denoted the rank of the wearer, commonly an assistant chief.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
20th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1387
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1387
This round metal fire badge likely belonged to a member of the fire department number 2 of Jersey City, New Jersey. The badge has a laurel wreath border with "J.C.F.D" in raised letters in a banner at the top of the badge.
Description
This round metal fire badge likely belonged to a member of the fire department number 2 of Jersey City, New Jersey. The badge has a laurel wreath border with "J.C.F.D" in raised letters in a banner at the top of the badge. The center of the badge has a raised silver number “2” with a depiction of a hand-pumped fire engine underneath. The badge number “68” is in an oval circle at the bottom of the badge.
Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes. Badges served as official identification at fire scenes, as access to derelict buildings by unscrupulous citizens could result in looting. Fire badges came in a variety of shapes, most notably circular, shield–shaped, or the Maltese cross. While shield–shaped badges were often worn on the chest, circular and cross-shaped badges can be seen on jacket lapels or soft caps. Badges usually detailed the company’s name, number and department, and were often decorated with various symbols of the profession such as hose carriages, hand–pumped engines, hoses, trumpets, helmets, hooks, and ladders. For paid municipal companies, many badges also featured the badge number of the wearer.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1255
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1255
Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes.
Description
Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes. Badges served as official identification at fire scenes, as access to derelict buildings by unscrupulous citizens could result in looting. Fire badges came in a variety of shapes, most notably circular, shield–shaped, or the Maltese cross. While shield–shaped badges were often worn on the chest, circular and cross-shaped badges can be seen on jacket lapels or soft caps. Badges usually detailed the company’s name, number and department, and were often decorated with various symbols of the profession such as hose carriages, hand–pumped engines, hoses, trumpets, helmets, hooks, and ladders. For paid municipal companies, many badges also featured the badge number of the wearer.
This cross-shaped white metal fire badge belonged to a member of the Reserve Fire Force of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania which was established in 1953 and was active until circa 1980. Members of the Reserve Fire Force were unpaid volunteers trained by regular members of the Fire Department to fight fires in times of emergency. The circular center of the badge bears the inscription “RESERVE FIRE FORCE / PHILA.” around the rim with the number “146” in the center, all filled in with black enamel. The size of the badge likely means it was worn on the cap, rather than the chest.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
20th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1386
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1386
This circular brass fire badge has a stippled background. An inscription around the rim reads “THE FIRE DEPARTMENT OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN.” The center of the badge has upper and lower banners that read “No.
Description
This circular brass fire badge has a stippled background. An inscription around the rim reads “THE FIRE DEPARTMENT OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN.” The center of the badge has upper and lower banners that read “No. 84/FIREMAN.” The badge was issued after the City of Brooklyn was incorporated in 1834 but before Brooklyn merged with Williamsburg in 1855, when the fire department was divided into eastern and western districts. These separate Brooklyn Eastern and Western District fire department badges can be seen in object 2005.0233.1326 and 2005.0233.1371. The number “84” is likely assigned to the badge wearer, and does not refer to the company.
Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes. Badges served as official identification at fire scenes, as access to derelict buildings by unscrupulous citizens could result in looting. Fire badges came in a variety of shapes, most notably circular, shield–shaped, or the Maltese cross. While shield–shaped badges were often worn on the chest, circular and cross-shaped badges can be seen on jacket lapels or soft caps. Badges usually detailed the company’s name, number and department, and were often decorated with various symbols of the profession such as hose carriages, hand–pumped engines, hoses, trumpets, helmets, hooks, and ladders. For paid municipal companies, many badges also featured the badge number of the wearer.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1266
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1266

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.