Fire Helmet, "South Penn 31 Hose"

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 by E.A.G. Roulstone of Roxbury, Massachusetts around 1864. The leather helmet has four combs, the brim is embossed with an ivy-vine design and there is a leather frontpiece holder attached to the crown. The frontpiece has become detached from the helmet and has decayed a bit. The frontpiece reads “SOUTH PENN / 31 / HOSE.” The South Penn Hose Company No. 37 was founded in 1845, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It claimed number 31 in 1865 and operated as the South Penn Steam Forcing Hose Company No.31 until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established.