Globe Fire Company Fire Hat

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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 “GLOBE/1820” painted in gold on the front of the hat. The letter “G” is painted in gold on the back of the hat. The crown of the hat has an illustration of an eagle perched on a globe, with a banner in its beak that reads “W.R.” (likely the owner’s initials). The Globe Fire Company, located in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was founded on May 22, 1820 and incorporated March 9, 1847. The company took its name from the nearby Globe Mills, a factory where some of its members were employed.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1820-1860
maker
unknown
place made
United States
Physical Description
painted (overall production method/technique)
black (overall color)
gold (lettering color)
fabric, pressed felt (overall material)
paint (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 5 3/4 in x 12 in x 16 5/8 in; 14.605 cm x 30.48 cm x 42.2275 cm
ID Number
2005.0233.0047
catalog number
2005.0233.0047
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