Fire Helmet, "1811"
Fire Helmet, "1811"
Previous
Next
Usage conditions apply
- 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 dates to the 19th century. The helmet is painted white, and has eight combs. The date “1811” is painted on the back brim of the helmet. This helmet’s frontpiece holder is in the form of a greyhound dog. The frontpiece is missing from this helmet, making an association with a particular company difficult.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Object Name
- helmet, fire
- date made
- before 1868
- place made
- United States
- Physical Description
- leather (overall material)
- Measurements
- overall: 9 1/2 in x 15 in; 24.13 cm x 38.1 cm
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0199
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0199
- Credit Line
- Gift of CIGNA Museum and Art Collection
- See more items in
- Cultural and Community Life: Fire Fighting and Law Enforcement
- Work
- Clothing & Accessories
- Fire Helmets
- Firefighting Collection
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
Nominate this object for photography.
Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.
If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.
