This shield-shaped metal fire badge belonged to a member of the Yonkers, New York fire department. A decoration of a crossed trumpet and hose nozzle behind a fire helmet sits at the top of the badge. An upper banner reads “YONKERS” in raised letters with the word “FIRE” below. A lower banner reads “DEPARTMENT” in raised letters. The number “8” is in the center of the badge in white metal. The Yonkers instituted a paid fire department in 1896, and this badge would have been used after 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 badge is inscribed “C.F.D. /1” with the number “125” in a plaque at the top of the badge. The badge is decorated with an image of a hook and ladder truck.
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 fire badge belonged to a member of the New Brighton Fire Department No. 3 of Staten Island, New York. Numerous villages on Staten Island began operating their own volunteer departments in the 1870s. Staten Island was consolidated into the Greater City of New York in 1898, and volunteer departments were replaced with paid municipal companies from 1905 until 1937. This badge likely dates from 1870–1937. There is a circular plaque at the top of the badge with the number “153” inside. Below this are the initials “N.B.F.D.” in silver and beneath that are the raised letters “III” in brass metal. At the bottom of the badge are two female figures flanking a shield with a spread winged eagle gripping a globe on top of the shield. The image is very similar to the state seal of New York, in which mythological figures of Liberty and Justice flank a shield depicting the sun rising behind Mount Beacon over the Hudson River, and a spread winged eagle grips a globe in its talons. At the bottom of the badge are two female figures flanking a shield, with a spread–winged eagle is atop a globe on top of the shield, likely a simplified version of the state seal of New York.
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.
The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information. The fire company's name and number appeared, often alongside the city or town where it was based. The frontpiece could also include the owner's initials and rank. Most fire helmets had leather frontpieces, but frontpieces could also be made of metal, especially on presentation helmets or those worn in parades.
This patent leather frontpiece was made by Cairns & Brother of New York, New York around 1939. The black frontpiece of Ladder 7 of the Philadelphia Fire Department has an upper and lower banner with a white background. The banners read “2461/PFD” in painted red letters. A red leather number “7” is stitched in the center of the piece, with a red leather hook and ladder crossed behind it.
This badge (or medal) belonged to an attendee at the Pennsylvania State Firemen’s Celebration, likely during the early 20th century. The two-tiered badge has an upper plaque that reads “PENN STATE/OCT. 1-4” with a circular medal hanging from two chain links. This lower medal has a central image of a running fireman with trumpet in hand, wearing a red shirt, blue pants, and black helmet. Crossed ladders are on the left, with a crossed hook and axe on the right. The rim of the medal reads “FIREMENS CELEBRATION.” The circular badge is surrounded by a laurel wreath, and topped by a spread-winged eagle in enamel with the American flag under each wing.
This round metal fire badge has a stippled background and a leafy overlay border. A banner at the top of the badge reads "J.C.F.D." above a silver number "1" in the center of the badge. An image of a hand pumped fire engine is at the bottom of the badge, above the number "60" in an oval. The badge likely belonged to a member of the Jersey City (New Jersey) Fire Department.
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 Binghamton, New York. At the top of the badge are crossed trumpets behind a fire helmet. “Binghamton" 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 "191."
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.
At the core of any fire company is the apparatus used to fight fires and protect lives. This was particularly true of for the volunteer fire fighters in 19th century America. Often purchased with their own funds, their fire engines were the focus of their pride and affection, as well as their identities as fire fighters. Engine plates, often made of brass, would be prominently affixed to engines and inscribed with the company name, number, and founding date. Engine plates could pass from old engine to new, or be kept in the firehouse as a memorial to a departed apparatus.
This rectangular zinc engine plate has a raised silver border with raised silver text in large block letters that reads “INDEPENDENCE.” Independence was a common name for 19th century volunteer engine companies, which makes it difficult to identify the exact company that used this plate.
This is a rounded metal fire badge that would have been worn on the collar or on a soft cap. The badge has a stippled back surface with a hat at top and shield with two hoses at the bottom. The badge bears the inscription "NEW LONDON / FIRE DEPT." in banners at top and bottom, with the number"219" in the middle. This New London Fire Department badge likely came from New London, Connecticut.
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 badge belonged to a member of the fire department in Jersey City, New Jersey in the early 20th century. The shield–shaped badge bears a central embellishment of a ladder, axe, hose, hook, trumpet and hat with a scroll that reads “Jersey City” above and “F.D.” below. The badge number “30” is made of raised brass 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.
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 by Cairns & Brother of New York, New York, during the first half of the 20th century. The helmet has eight combs and is painted red overall, with an ivy-vine scroll pattern stamped around the brim. A metal frontpiece holder extends from the crown with a white leather frontpiece that reads “16/OFS.” The frontpiece has been reused, and the number "11" can be seen in faded stitching at the center.
This oval metal fire badge has a rim made of encircled fire hoses with the nozzles crossed at the bottom of the badge. The top of the badge is decorated with two crossed speaking trumpets behind a fire helmet. The badge has an upper banner that reads “GOSHEN” and a lower banner that reads “FIRE DEPARTMENT.” This is likely from the fire department of Goshen, New York. The center of the badge bears a silver colored number “60.”
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 Hoboken Fire Department Engine Number 2 who was given badge number 246. The badge has a stippled background with a rim that consists of a riveted hose. A worn silver number “2” is in the center of the badge, flanked by the initials “F” and “D.” Upper and lower banners read “HOBOKEN/ENGINE.” The number “246” is inscribed in a cartouche at the top of the badge. The Hoboken Fire Department was established in 1891 with six companies, so this badge would have been produced after that date.
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 plated shield-shaped fire badge was made for a member of the Houston Hook & Ladder Company No. 1 in Houston, Texas. There is an empty plaque at the bottom of the badge, which usually would contain a badge number. The lack of badge number may mean it was never worn. The badge is topped by a hook and ladder truck. A banner at the top of the shield reads “HOUSTON.” The center of the badge bears a large number “1” with two hooks and two ladders crossed behind it. Houston’s volunteer Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 was founded in 1858, and became part of Houston’s paid municipal department in 1895. The badge would likely date to that era.
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 fire department of Passaic New Jersey during the early 20th century. The badge’s rim is made to look like a riveted fire hose. The top of the fire badge is decorated with a crossed hose nozzle and speaking trumpet behind a fire helmet. An upper banner reads “PASSAIC” and the lower banner reads “FIRE.DEPARTMENT” in raised letters. A raised number “4” in white metal is in the center of the badge. The Passaic Fire Department was first incorporated in 1869, and various volunteer companies operated until 1909, when the paid fire department was instituted. The badge would date to after 1909.
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.
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number. The company or agent would then affix the mark to the policyholder’s home or business. For owners the mark served as proof of insurance and a deterrent against arson. For insurance companies the mark served as a form of advertising, and alerted volunteer firefighters that the property was insured.
The Insurance Company of North America offered this fire mark to their policyholders during the early 19th century. This fire mark is based on the designs of Claudius Francis LeGrand, consisting of an image of a spread-winged eagle rising from a cloud embossed upon a copper oval. A group of influential citizens in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania founded the Insurance Company of North America in 1792. The INA was the first joint stock insurance company in the United States, and focused its business on marine and fire insurance. The Insurance Company of North America and related companies merged with the Connecticut General Life Insurance Company in 1982 to become the CIGNA Corporation. A later sale made INA a part of ACE Holdings, where it still operates today.
This shield–shaped metal fire badge belonged to the Nay–Aug Fire Department Hose Company of Scranton, Pennsylvania. The badge is decorated with two crossed trumpets at its top, an image of a hose carriage in the center, and a crossed ladder and hooks behind a helmet frontpiece at the bottom of the badge. The upper banner reads “NAY AUG” and the lower banner reads “HOSE.”
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.
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 an upper banner that is inscribed “STANTON / 564” above an overlapping “TFD” monogram. The badge belonged to a member of Edmond Stanton Steam Fire Engine Company No. 6 of the Troy (NY) Fire Department. The Stanton Company was established in January 1872 and received its first steam engine the next year. The “TFD” monogram is also seen on object 2005.0233.1262.
At the core of any fire company is the apparatus used to fight fires and protect lives. This was particularly true of for the volunteer fire fighters in 19th century America. Often purchased with their own funds, their fire engines were the focus of their pride and affection, as well as their identities as fire fighters. Engine plates, often made of brass, would be prominently affixed to engines and inscribed with the company name, number, and founding date. Engine plates could pass from old engine to new, or be kept in the firehouse as a memorial to a departed apparatus.
This metal plate belonged to the Hudson Hose Company Number 21 of New York City that was established in 1863. The shield-shaped plate is mounted onto a square velvet-covered board. The number “21” is engraved in the center, the words "HUDSON" and "HOSE CO" are above and below. The engravings are filled with black enamel and outlined in gold. The Hudson Hose Company Number 21 was founded on October 21, 1846. It was located on Duane Street, and was re-organized as Engine Company No. 53 in 1863.
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 by William H. Wilson of New York, New York in the mid-to-late 19th century. The leather helmet has four combs and is painted black, with ivy-vine scrollwork around the hat’s brim. A metal lion frontpiece holder is mounted onto the crown of the helmet that holds a white leather frontpiece. The frontpiece originally read “MECHANIC / 37” but some of the letters are missing from the upper banner, and the initials are completely absent from the lower banner. Organized in 1839 the Mechanic Fire Engine Company No. 37 operated as a hand engine company until it acquired a steam fire engine in 1859. It operated as a steam fire engine company until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established (Note: See companion piece 2005.0233.0116). The number on the parade hat is 26 instead of 37.