Fire Badge "Rahway Fire Department"

Description:

This shield-shaped metal fire badge was used by a member of the Rahway (New Jersey) Fire Department. The top of the badge is decorated with a trumpet and hose nozzle crossed behind a fire helmet. An upper banner is inscribed “RAHWAY” and a lower banner reads “DEPARTMENT.” Under the upper banner is the inscription “FIRE.” The center of the badge bears the silver number “98.”

Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes. Badges served as official identification at fire scenes, as access to derelict buildings by unscrupulous citizens could result in looting. Fire badges came in a variety of shapes, most notably circular, shield–shaped, or the Maltese cross. While shield–shaped badges were often worn on the chest, circular and cross-shaped badges can be seen on jacket lapels or soft caps. Badges usually detailed the company’s name, number and department, and were often decorated with various symbols of the profession such as hose carriages, hand–pumped engines, hoses, trumpets, helmets, hooks, and ladders. For paid municipal companies, many badges also featured the badge number of the wearer.

Date Made: late 19th century

Maker: unknown

Location: Currently not on view

Place Made: United StatesAssociated Place: United States: New Jersey, Union county

See more items in: Home and Community Life: Fire Fighting and Law Enforcement, Work, Firefighting Collection, Fire Badges

Exhibition:

Exhibition Location:

Credit Line: Gift of CIGNA Museum and Art Collection

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: 2005.0233.1314Accession Number: 2005.0233Catalog Number: 2005.0233.1314

Object Name: badge, fireman's

Physical Description: metal (overall material)Measurements: overall: 2 in x 1 1/4 in; 5.08 cm x 3.175 cm

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746ad-26fe-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_1381117

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