Clothing & Accessories - Overview
Work, play, fashion, economic class, religious faith, even politics—all these aspects of American life and more are woven into clothing. The Museum cares for one of the nation's foremost collections of men's, women's, and children's garments and accessories—from wedding gowns and military uniforms to Halloween costumes and bathing suits.
The collections include work uniforms, academic gowns, clothing of presidents and first ladies, T-shirts bearing protest slogans, and a clean-room "bunny suit" from a manufacturer of computer microchips. Beyond garments, the collections encompass jewelry, handbags, hair dryers, dress forms, hatboxes, suitcases, salesmen's samples, and thousands of fashion prints, photographs, and original illustrations. The more than 30,000 artifacts here represent the changing appearance of Americans from the 1700s to the present day.
"Clothing & Accessories - Overview" showing 1 items.
Helmet Frontpiece, “CH & L Co. No. 1”
- Description (Brief)
- The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information. The fire company's name and number appeared, often alongside the city or town where it was based. The frontpiece could also include the owner's initials and rank. Most fire helmets had leather frontpieces, but frontpieces could also be made of metal, especially on presentation helmets or those worn in parades.
- This leather frontpiece was made by Cairns & Brother of New York, New York around 1945. Two white banners encircle a simplified flower design at the center. The upper banner reads “CH &L Co No 1” in black leather letters. The lower banner reads “DISTRICT No 4” in black leather letters. The frontpiece likely belonged to a hook and ladder company.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1945
- maker
- Cairns & Brother
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.1499
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.1499
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center