Fire Helmet, "NIAGARA 5 / WE WILL TRY / NASHUA / O.M.F. 19"

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 made in the mid-19th century and used in Nashua, New Hampshire by the Niagara Fire Company No. 5. The helmet has a yellow-painted frontpiece that features Niagara’s company motto “We Will Try” over “Niagara 5” in gold. The helmet is painted black with gold scroll designs around the crown, and the text “NASHUA” painted in gold on the rear brim. The helmet’s eagle frontpiece holder is leather and runs from the front to back of the helmet’s crown.

Date Made: ca 1860

Maker: unknown

Location: Currently not on view

Place Made: United States

See more items in: Home and Community Life: Fire Fighting and Law Enforcement, Clothing & Accessories, Work, Firefighting Collection, Fire Helmets

Exhibition:

Exhibition Location:

Credit Line: Gift of CIGNA Museum and Art Collection

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: 2005.0233.0177Accession Number: 2005.0233Catalog Number: 2005.0233.0177

Object Name: helmet, fire

Physical Description: leather (overall material)green (overall color)Measurements: overall: 14 5/8 in x 11 1/2 in x 9 1/4 in; 37.1475 cm x 29.21 cm x 23.495 cm

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746ac-5764-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_1333207

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