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.
This metal shield-shaped fire badge belonged to a superintendent of the Fire Insurance Patrol of the City of Philadelphia. In the early days of firefighting, insurance companies and fire departments often worked hand-in-hand. Fire Patrols were organized by insurance companies to patrol a neighborhood and report any fires that occurred, inspect buildings for fire hazards, and work with the fire department to prevent loss of life and property. Patrol wagons were equipped with rubber blankets to protect property from water damage, and fire extinguishers and buckets to squelch small fires. The patrols would pump water from cellars and mop it up from roofs after the fire had been extinguished. The badge is decorated with a small torch at the top and a plaque with floral decorations at the bottom. Upper and lower banners read “PHILADA / FIRE INSURANCE / PATROL” in raised letters. The center of the badge has a banner engraved “SUPERINTENDENT” filled in with black enamel. The Philadelphia Fire Insurance Patrol operated from 1869 until 1962. The original commander’s rank of Captain was changed to Superintendent circa 1915.