Fire Helmet, "Veteran / Philadelphia"

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 dates to the late 19th century. A metal eagle frontpiece holder is mounted to the crown of the helmet, holding a white frontpiece with a central painted image of a double-decker Philadelphia-style fire engine. The top of the frontpiece is missing, but comparison to similar objects reveal that the helmet originally had a black banner with white lettering that read “VETERAN.” The bottom of the frontpiece has a black banner with white lettering that reads “PHILADELPHIA.” The rear brim of the helmet has the golden letters “FA” flanking a gold image of a fire hydrant with attached hose. This was the logo of the Fire Association of Philadelphia, an insurance company founded by a group of eleven volunteer engine companies and five volunteer hose companies in 1817 that would have included the company of this helmet’s owner. The gold ”V” on the back of the helmet’s crown signifies the veteran status of the wearer, and the helmet is painted white to signify that it was worn by a former officer.

Date Made: 19th century

Maker: unknown

Location: Currently not on view

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: 2005.0233.0195Accession Number: 2005.0233Catalog Number: 2005.0233.0195

Object Name: helmet, fire

Physical Description: leather (overall material)Measurements: overall: 9 in x 14 1/4 in x 11 in; 22.86 cm x 36.195 cm x 27.94 cm

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746ac-570a-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_1334419

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