Fire Helmet, "Asst. Chief D.S.F."
Fire Helmet, "Asst. Chief D.S.F."
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- Description (Brief)
- 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 in the 19th century. The black helmet is comprised of eight combs with a floral design stamped into the brim. There is a metal lion frontpiece holder mounted on the crown. The leather frontpiece originally read “ASST/CHIEF/DFS,” but several of the letters are missing. The text surrounds a painted image of three crossed fire trumpets inside an orange circle.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Object Name
- helmet, fire
- date made
- 19th century
- maker
- unknown
- place made
- World
- Physical Description
- leather (overall material)
- Measurements
- overall: 12 3/4 in x 11 in; 32.385 cm x 27.94 cm
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0134
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0134
- Credit Line
- Gift of CIGNA Museum and Art Collection
- subject
- Fire Fighting
- See more items in
- Home and Community Life: Fire Fighting and Law Enforcement
- Clothing & Accessories
- Work
- Firefighting Collection
- Fire Helmets
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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