Fire Helmet, "Union / 1 / 1780"
- 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 Cairns & Brother of New York, New York during the 19th century. The helmet is painted white with four combs and ivy-vine scrollwork stamped around the brim. The date “1780” is painted in red on the rear brim. The hat has a metal eagle frontpiece holder mounted on the crown, with a silver metal frontpiece that reads “UNION/1/1780” in stamped brass plate, with an image of a steam engine in stamped brass above the “1”. The ornate nature of the frontpiece may mean that this hat was primarily worn during parades and ceremonial functions.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Object Name
- helmet, fire
- date made
- 19th century
- maker
- Cairns & Brother
- Physical Description
- metal (part: shield material)
- leather (overall material)
- Measurements
- overall: 9 in x 11 in x 14 in; 22.86 cm x 27.94 cm x 35.56 cm
- place made
- United States: New York, New York
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0194
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0194
- subject
- Work
- Clothing & Accessories
- Firefighting Collection
- Fire Helmets
- See more items in
- Home and Community Life: Fire Fighting and Law Enforcement
- Fire Helmets
- Firefighting Collection
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
- Credit Line
- Gift of CIGNA Museum and Art Collection
- Additional Media
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