This shield–shaped metal fire badge belonged to a member of the Fire Company No. 2 of Paterson, New Jersey. A small circular plaque at the top of the badge bears the badge number “113.” Below that are the initials “P.F.D.” A large number “2” is at the center of the badge, with crossed ladders behind it, flanked by the letters “N” and “J.” A steam fire engine is depicted at the bottom of the badge. The Paterson Fire Department became a paid department in 1895, and this badge would have been used 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 round metal fire badge is decorated with a spread-winged eagle at the top, and a small plaque with two trumpets at the bottom inscribed with the number “202.” The rim of the badge is inscribed “L.I. CITY F.D./EXEMPT.” The badge’s center is decorated with a speaking trumpet, hook, ladder, lantern, and axe arrayed in a circle behind a fire helmet. The Long Island City Fire Department became a paid department in 1891, and was consolidated into the Fire Department of the City of New York in 1898. This badge would have belonged to an exempt fireman (someone who had served more than five years and was exempt from jury duty or militia service) prior to 1891.
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 Engine No. 5 of the Paterson, New Jersey fire department. A small circular plaque at the top of the badge bears the badge number “24.” Below that are the initials “P.F.D.” A large raised number “5” 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.
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 William H. Wilson of New York, New York in the late 19th century. The black helmet has four prominent combs with a metal lion frontpiece holder mounted on the crown of the helmet. The helmet lacks a frontpiece, making attribution difficult. A paper label inside the helmet reads “James S. Jenkin’s Lehigh, Rainbow, and Eagle Vein Coal Depot, 9th and Wallace Sts., Philadelphia.” The hat is stamped with the initials “J.S. J. II” probably referring to James Jenkins.
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 black leather frontpiece has two red banners at its top with raised white leather letting that reads “FRANKLIN/HOSE.” A large recessed white number “3” is in the center of the frontpiece, with white leather lettering below that originally read “BOSTON,” but some of the letters are now missing.
This shield-shaped metal fire badge belonged to a member of the Lansingburgh, New York fire department. The top of the badge is adorned with a fire helmet in front of a crossed trumpet and hose nozzle. The badge has a stippled background, with the text “LANSINGBURGH/DEPARTMENT” in upper and lower banners. Below the upper banner is the text “FIRE” with the number “143” in the center (the last digit has rubbed off).
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 fire badge was made for an exempt fireman in the New York Fire Department sometime between 1860 and 1865. The badge is made from white metal, with the raised company number “40” in the center made of Prince’s metal. The rim of the badge is made to resemble a riveted fire hose, with the nozzles joined at the bottom. At the top of the badge is the badge number “20” inscribed into a circular plaque. The badge has the initials “N.Y.F.D.” at the top and a raised image of a four wheeled hose carriage at the bottom. This was the second type of badge issued by the New York Fire Department, after an 1855 ordinance by the Common Council authorized a badge to be issued to the city’s firemen. Exempt firemen received a badge in white metal with numbers cast in Prince’s metal. Firemen that had not previously served five years received badges made of Prince’s metal with white metal numbers.
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 badge belonged to a member of the Wiltwyck Hose Company No. 1 of Kingston, New York. The company took its name from the Wiltwyck Dutch settlement located in modern day Kingston, and began operating around 1860. The shield shaped metal badge is decorated with an engraved central image of a four wheeled hose carriage. The badge is engraved with the text “WILTWYCK/1/K.F.D.”
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 is in the shape of the Maltese cross, a popular symbol for firefighters. The upper arm has a banner that reads "COLUMBIA" and the lower arm reads "F.D." A hydrant with hose is on the left arm and a crossed hook, ladder, and torch are behind a fire helmet on the right arm. The center of the badge features a ladder truck with the initials "W.H." above and the number “1” below. Columbia was a popular name for fire companies, but the initials “W.H” and the imagery of the hook and ladder truck suggests that this badge belonged to a member of the Columbia Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 of the West Hoboken Fire Department in West Hoboken, New Jersey. Columbia Hook & Ladder Co. 1 was organized in 1878, and since West Hoboken was absorbed into Union City in 1925, the badge would date between those years.
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 Town of Union Fire Department from Union, New Jersey. The silver badge has a stippled background and raised lettering that reads “TOWN OF UNION/NJ.” A brass number “1” is in the center of the badge flanked by the letters “F” and “D.” At the bottom of the badge is an image of a hand pumped fire engine.
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 driver of Hose Cart No. 2 in Norfolk, possibly located in Virginia, Connecticut or Massachusetts. Early fire companies pulled their engines by hand, but the introduction of steam engines to firefighting necessitated the use of horses to pull the engines and drivers for the horses. The badge is decorated by three stars and three bunches of flowers, and bears the inscription “DRIVER/HOSE CART/2/NORFOLK.”
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 inspector of a Pennsylvania-based fire insurance company. The inspector would be responsible for examining buildings and making sure they met the insurance company’s standards, as well as inspecting the damage post-fire. The rim of the badge is inscribed “FIRE/INSURANCE INSPECTOR” filled in with black enamel. The center of the circular badge bears the Pennsylvania state coat-of-arms, with a shield depicting ship under sail above, a plow in the middle, and three sheaves of grain below, crested at the top by an eagle, and supported by two horses. A banner below bears the state motto “LIBERTY/INDEPENDENCE/VIRTUE.”
This shield-shaped metal fire badge may have belonged to a member of the Rapid Hose Company No. 1 of Kingston, New York. The etching on this badge is different from many badges in the collection, as it appears to have been done by hand rather than machine made. The badge is plated in silver-colored metal, and etched to reveal copper colored lettering that reads “RAPID/1/HOSE.” The center of the badge is decorated with floral scrolls and geometric carvings.
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 Hoboken (New Jersey) Fire Department. The badge has a central image of a hook, ladder, lantern, and trumpet arrayed behind a fire helmet. A circle around the decoration bears the raised text “EXEMPT/HOBOKEN.FIRE.DEPT.” Different cities had different rules regarding the years of service necessary to be considered exempt and what duties were exempted. Generally, exempt firemen were firemen who had served a set number of years in the volunteer department and were now excused from certain civic responsibilities like jury duty, some taxes, and peacetime militia service. Later, exempt firemen created their own social associations to foster camaraderie and “continue the fraternal associations” established as volunteer firemen. The Hoboken Association of Exempt Firemen was established in 1860, and its meeting house still stands at 213 Bloomfield Street and serves as a Fire Department Museum.
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 Rapid Hose Company No. 1 of Rondout (now Kingston), New York. The Rapid Hose Company was founded in 1860 before Rondout became part of Kingston, New York, in 1872. In 1877 Kingston incorporated the Rapid Hose Company No. 1, and it still operates into the 21st century. The badge has an upper banner that is inscribed “RAPID HOSE,” a lower banner inscribed “RONDOUT,” and a bottom plaque inscribed with the number “1”. All the inscriptions are filled in with black enamel. The center of the badge is decorated with a raised image of a four-wheeled hose carriage, flanked by the initials “F” and “D.” Two crossed trumpets are behind the upper banner, and two hooks and a ladder protrude from the bottom plaque.
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 Newark, New Jersey. The white metal badge has an upper banner that reads “NEWARK FIRE” and a lower banner that reads “DEPARTMENT” in raised letters. The raised number “327” in brass colored metal is in the center of the badge. Newark had a volunteer fire department prior to its incorporation as a city in 1836, when it transferred to a part paid and part volunteer department. In 1857, the department was re organized, and in 1889 it became a fully paid department. The 1857 city ordinance re organizing the department describes the badge as “made of German silver, bearing the words ‘Newark Fire Department’ and each badge shall bear a distinct number in raised figures thereon of brass metal.” Each member of the department received his badge from the Chief Engineer with a fifty cent deposit.
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 Holyoke, Massachusetts fire department. The silver plated badge has a stippled background with a brushed central circle that is inscribed with the number “58” surrounded by the inscription “HOLYOKE/FIRE DEP.T.” The badge has a fire hydrant at the bottom, with hoses emanating from the left and the right side, curling around ladders on each side of the badge, and ending at the top of the badge where a fire helmet has a crossed trumpet and hose nozzle behind it.
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 brown leather frontpiece has four banners that alternate red and blue backgrounds. The top red banner is missing all of its letters except for the last “N.” The next blue banner originally read “SINGERS” in white leather letters, but the first two letters are now missing. The next red banner reads “SEWING” in raised white leather letters. The bottom blue banner has raised white leather letters that reads “MACHINE.” Three white leather stars are stitched into the frontpiece, which also has decorative stitching throughout. Unlike most frontpieces that served to identify firefighters and their companies, this may have been used as an advertising piece. It may also originate with a fire company in Elizabeth, New Jersey, where the first major Singer factory was located.
This shield-shaped metal fire badge was used by a member of the fire department of Edgewater, Staten Island, New York. The badge reads “EDGEWATER/FIRE DEPT” in recessed letters filled in with black enamel. The number “156” is at the bottom of the badge. The overlapping letters “EFD” are stamped out of the center of the badge. The Edgewater Fire Department operated on Staten Island from 1856 until 1937.
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 Baltimore Equitable Society of Baltimore, Maryland produced this fire mark in 1927. The cast iron mark features a raised image of two clasped hands with linked chain cuffs on a square background. The clasped hands are painted gold, with the year “1794” painted in gold at the bottom. The Baltimore Equitable Society of Baltimore, Maryland first produced this fire mark design in 1795. The “Sign of the Clasped Hands” fire mark is still available from the Baltimore Equitable Society, now cast in aluminum that is painted black overall, with hands and numbering in gold.