Fire Helmet, "2nd Assistant Engineer C.C.F.D."
Fire Helmet, "2nd Assistant Engineer C.C.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 white leather fire helmet dates to the second half of the 19th century. The eight comb helmet has a metal eagle frontpiece holder attached to the top of the crown. The white frontpiece has a red star and red banners that read “2nd ASSISTANT/ENGINEER/C.C.F.D.” in white leather letters.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Object Name
- helmet, fire
- date made
- 1865
- maker
- unknown
- place made
- United States
- Physical Description
- paint (overall material)
- white (overall color)
- Measurements
- overall: 9 1/4 in x 10 7/8 in x 14 1/2 in; 23.495 cm x 27.6225 cm x 36.83 cm
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0189
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0189
- Credit Line
- Gift of CIGNA Museum and Art Collection
- 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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