Fire Helmet, "Columbia 5 F D"

Fire Helmet, "Columbia 5 F D"

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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 helmet is painted white and has a metal eagle frontpiece holder mounted on the crown. The helmet has eight combs, and there is a label on the inside that reads “P.H. Murray.” The leather frontpiece has been painted red and originally read “COLUMBIA/5/FD,” but some of the letters are now missing.
Location
Currently not on view
Object Name
helmet, fire
date made
ca 1900
maker
unknown
Physical Description
leather (overall material)
white (overall color)
Measurements
overall: 15 in x 10 3/4 in; 38.1 cm x 27.305 cm
ID Number
2005.0233.0147
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0147
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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