This shield-shaped metal fire badge belonged to a member of the Franklin Hose Company No. 28 of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Franklin Hose No. 28 was founded in 1838. It purchased the charter of Harmony No. 6 in 1867, and took over that name, dating the badge to before this year. The center of the badge has the number “28” inside a circular cutout. An upper banner on the badge is inscribed “FRANKLIN” and the lower banner reads “HOSE.” The badge is decorated with an inscribed floral motif.
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 shield-shaped metal fire badge likely belonged to a member of the Paterson, New Jersey fire department. A small circular plaque at the top of the badge bears the badge number “63.” Below that are the initials “P.F.D.” A large, raised, silver colored number “1” is in the center of the badge, flanked by the initials “N” and “J.” A steam fire engine is depicted at the bottom of the badge. This badge is very similar to the type produced by the New York Fire Department from 1860 until 1865, and may date to around that time.
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 shield-shaped metal fire badge belonged to the fire department of Elizabeth, New Jersey. A fire helmet with crossed trumpet and hose nozzle sits at the top of the shield. A banner on a stippled background reads “Elizabeth, N.J.” There is a large number “1” in the center of the badge, above an image of a hook and ladder fire truck. Badge number “566” is in a circle at the bottom of the badge.
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 fireman’s badge belonged to a member of the Brooklyn Fire Department sometime between 1869, when the paid department replaced the volunteers, and 1898, when the B.F.D. was consolidated into the New York Fire Department. The badge has a rounded cross or cloverleaf design with the initials “B.F.D.” on the left, upper, and right arms, and the number “498” on the bottom arm. The circular center of the cross bears Brooklyn’s seal. The seal features a woman holding a fasces (an axe in a bundle of sticks), a symbol from Roman times suggesting strength through unity. The seal is inscribed with Brooklyn’s motto, “Eendracht maakt macht,” which is Dutch for “unity makes strength.”
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 shield-shaped metal fire badge has a stippled background a crossed trumpet and hose nozzle behind a fire helmet at the top of the shield. A banner at the top of the badge reads "J.C.F.D." above a silver colored "1" in the center of the badge. An image of a steam fire engine is at the bottom of the badge, above the number "29" in an oval. The badge likely belonged to a member of the Jersey City Fire Department in New Jersey.
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 shield-shaped metal fire badge belonged to the fire department of Harrison, New Jersey. The top of the badge is adorned with a fire helmet in front of a crossed trumpet and hose nozzle. The silver colored badge has a stippled background, with the text “HARRISON/DEPARTMENT” in upper and lower banners. Below the upper banner is the text “FIRE” with a raised number “126” in the center.
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 shield-shaped metal fire badge was used by a member of the Rahway (New Jersey) Fire Department. The top of the badge is decorated with a trumpet and hose nozzle crossed behind a fire helmet. An upper banner is inscribed “RAHWAY” and a lower banner reads “DEPARTMENT.” Under the upper banner is the inscription “FIRE.” The center of the badge bears the silver number “98.”
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 commemorative medal was made to celebrate an 1889 trip of the Monhagan Hose Company of Middletown, New York, to visit the Cataract Engine & Hose Company No. 1 of Goshen, New York. The medal seen in object 2005.0233.1587 commemorates a trip by the Cataract Engine & Hose Company to the Monhagan Hose Company in Morristown, suggesting the visits may have been an annual event. This badge consists of three horizontal metal cartouches hanging vertically, linked by chains, with a small gold tassel at the bottom. The cartouches read “MONHAGAN/CATARACT/GOSHEN 1889.”
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 gold-colored cross-shaped fire badge was used by a member of the Reserve Fire Force of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania which was established in 1953 and was active until circa 1980. Members of the Reserve Fire Force were unpaid volunteers trained by regular members of the Fire Department to fight fires in times of emergency. The circular center of the badge bears the inscription “RESERVE FIRE FORCE / PHILA.” around the rim with all filled in with black enamel. The center of the badge has four crossed speaking trumpets, which often denoted the rank of the wearer, commonly an assistant chief.
This shield-shaped metal fire badge belonged to a member of the fire department of Ramsey, New Jersey. At the top of the badge are crossed trumpets behind a fire helmet. “RAMSEY" is inscribed in a banner at top of the badge with "FIRE" inscribed below. "DEPARTMENT" is inscribed in the banner at the bottom of the badge below the number "1."
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 shield-shaped metal fire badge belonged to a member of the fire department of West Hoboken, New Jersey. West Hoboken merged with Union Hill in 1925 to form Union City, so the badge would date prior to 1925. At the top of the badge is a crossed trumpet and hose nozzle behind a fire helmet. “WEST HOBOKEN" is inscribed in a banner at top of the badge with "FIRE" inscribed below. "DEPARTMENT" is inscribed in the banner at the bottom of the badge below the silver number "9."
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 circular metal fire badge belonged to a member of the Rapid Hose Company 1 of the Kingston, New York fire department. The badge is encircled by a leaf design, with an upper banner bearing the inscription “RAPID HOSE 1” in black and a lower plaque reading “K.F.D.” in black. The center of the badge is decorated with an image of a fire helmet with a crossed trumpet and hose nozzle behind it. Below this is the image of a hose carriage. The Rapid Hose Company No. 1 of Kingston, New York was founded in 1860 and incorporated in 1877. The company has continued to operate into the 21st century.
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 shield-shaped metal fire badge has a scrolling floral border and is decorated by a variety of scrolls. A hand-pumped fire engine decorates the center of the badge. The upper banner reads “EXEMPT” the lower banner reads “FIREMEN’S ASS’N.” and the bottom banner reads “PATERSON, N.J.” In Paterson, New Jersey, a law was passed in 1830 that exempted members of the Volunteer Fire Association from militia and jury duty after serving seven years as firemen. The Exempt Firemen’s Association of Patterson, New Jersey was established for the exempt firemen of Paterson in 1882. The Association served as social one to foster camaraderie among former volunteer firemen after the paid fire department came to Paterson in 1890. The association had a building with a parlor, smoking and sitting room, kitchen and dining room, games room, bath room, and reading room.
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 shield–shaped metal fire badge belonged to a foreman of Salem Fire Engine No. 2. The badge’s rim is decorated with a geometric pattern. The badge has an upper banner that reads “FOREMAN” above an image of a steam fire engine. Below the engine is an inscription of the number “2” with the text “SALEM” below. The text is accented with various decorative inscriptions.
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 silver-colored metal fire badge has a faceted rim and a stippled background. The top of the badge bears the raised initials “C.F.D.” A bronze-colored raised number “1” is in the center of the badge, with a raised image of a ladder truck below.
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 shield–shaped metal fire badge belonged to an exempt member of the Newark Fire Department with badge number 272. The badge has a stippled background, with raised upper and lower banners that read “NEWARK/EXEMPT” in black enamel. A fire hydrant (or “plug”) is at the bottom of the badge, while two curled hoses emanate from either side of the hydrant and frame the badge’s text. After serving for seven years, members of Newark’s volunteer fire department were exempt from five dollars of tax each year, exempt from jury duty, and exempt from serving in a militia during a time of peace. An association for these exempt firemen was established in Newark on December 17, 1857 for the purpose of aiding disabled members and their families and to render assistance in combating fires as directed by the civic authorities.
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 shield-shaped metal fire badge was used by a member of the Franklin Hose Company No. 6 in an unidentified locale. The badge belonged to a second assistant engineer of the company, likely with the initials “MJL” that are inscribed on the bottom of the badge. The badge has a decorative etching around the rim, and bears the inscription “2nd/ASST.ENGINEER/FRANKLIN/F6D/HOSE/MJL.”
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 fire badge has a spread–winged eagle at its top. The rim of the badge is inscribed "Pioneer/S.L.F.D." An image of a steam fire engine is in the center of the badge.
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 shield-shaped metal fire badge belonged to a member of the Hartford Veteran Volunteer Firemen’s Association of Hartford, Connecticut between 1890 and 1920. The badge is topped by a spread-winged eagle with a banner in its beak that reads “Org. Nov. 25, 1889.” The center of the badge features an image of Connecticut’s state seal, three grapevines over a banner with the Latin motto Qui Transtulit Sustinet (He who transplanted sustains). An upper banner is inscribed “HARTFORD VET. VOL.,” the lower banner is inscribed “FIRE MENS ASSOCIATION” and a plaque below is inscribed “CONN.”
The Hartford Veteran Volunteer Firemen’s Association was founded on November 25, 1889. Originally only for members of the old volunteer hand-engine companies, by 1893, the association let anyone with over five years of service join. The association had a building located at 27 Arch Street where they stored their hand engines that were used in parades and where they met for business and revelry.
This shield-shaped metal fire badge belonged to an exempt member of the fire department of Passaic, New Jersey. Exempt firemen served five years or more in the volunteer company, granting them exemptions from certain other civic responsibilities. These “exempts” often created associations which mainly served as social clubs, although some exempt fire fighters continued to serve as fire departments if needed. This badge likely dates to the late 19th century. The top of the badge is decorated with a crossed trumpet and hose nozzle behind a fire helmet. The banners are inscribed with the text “PASSAIC/EXEMPT/FIRE DEPARTMENT.” A laurel wreath surrounds the word “EXEMPT.” This badge is very similar to object 2005.0233.1345, an exempt badge from Kingston.
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.