Friendship Fire Company Fire Hat
- Description
- Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes. During the 19th century, these fire hats became more ornate, as portraits of historical figures, patriotic scenes, allegorical images, or company icons were painted alongside the company’s name, motto, or founding date. Made of pressed felt, these “stove-pipe” hats were primarily used in Philadelphia, but other nearby cities such as Baltimore and Washington adopted them as well. Fire hats were personal items with the owner’s initials often painted on the top of the hat. While these hats were worn at fires, they are more colloquially known as “parade hats.” Fire companies commonly marched in the many parades of the period and these ornate hats contributed to the visual culture of their day. These distinguishing features in a company’s regalia often proclaimed the members’ cultural and political identity as well as their position on contested topics such as work, religion and immigration.
- This fire hat was used in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania during the first half of the 19th century. The hat is painted black overall, with the text “Friendship/1796” painted in gold across the front. The owner’s initials “J.L.B.” are painted in white on the crown of the hat. The initials “F.A.” are painted in gold on the back of the hat. The Fire Association of Philadelphia was an insurance company founded by a group of eleven volunteer engine companies and five volunteer hose companies in 1817, of which Friendship was a member. The Friendship Fire Company was founded on August 18th, 1796, in the Northern Liberties area of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1810-1860
- maker
- unknown
- Physical Description
- painted (overall production method/technique)
- black (overall color)
- gold (lettering and trim color)
- fabric, pressed felt (overall material)
- paint (overall material)
- Measurements
- overall: 5 1/2 in x 12 1/2 in x 13 3/4 in; 13.97 cm x 31.75 cm x 34.925 cm
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0044
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0044
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- Credit Line
- Gift of CIGNA Museum and Art Collection
- subject
- Fire Fighting
- Fraternal Associations
- See more items in
- Home and Community Life: Fire Fighting and Law Enforcement
- Cultures & Communities
- Work
- Clothing & Accessories
- Art
- Fire Hats
- Firefighting Collection
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
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