This badge belonged to a delegate from the South Bethlehem Fire Department to the Four-County Firemen’s Association convention at Lehigh University in 1912. The Four-County Firemen’s Association consisted of fire companies from Carbon, Lehigh, Monroe, and North Hampton Counties in eastern Pennsylvania. The Association’s annual convention began in 1897, and continued into the 21st century. Conventions were held to foster camaraderie through a variety of competitions, share firefighting tips, and memorialize fallen comrades.
The badge is made of three sections, linked by chains. The upper section has a banner that reads “SO. BETLEHEM 1912” with a decoration of a fire hat and crossed fire axes. The middle section reads “DELEGATE” in raised lettering. The lower section bears an image of Lehigh University’s University Center building, with the text “LEHIGH UNI.” above and “FOUR COUNTY/FIREMENS/ASSOCIATION” below, all set inside a keystone-shaped frame. A banner reads “CARBON/LEHIGH” and “MONROE/NORTH-/HAMPTON” across the lower section.
This white metal fire badge departs from the common shield, circle, or Maltese-cross badge design in favor of a curved rectangular form. The decoration on the badge also differs from many of the other badges in the collection. The badge may in fact have been used as a helmet frontpiece rather than a badge, although it is somewhat smaller than most.
The badge has a central cartouche with a bronze-colored banner that is inscribed “ASSISTANT” filled with black enamel above the bronze raised numeral “VI.” Two fire plugs left and right of the badge’s lower portion have hoses that frame the badge and whose nozzles cross at the top of the badge. A hook and ladder are crossed at the bottom of the badge, while a crossed fireman’s lantern and axe are at the top 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 shield-shaped fire badge belonged to a superintendent of the Fire Insurance Patrol of the City of Philadelphia. In the early days of firefighting, insurance companies and fire departments often worked hand-in-hand. Fire Patrols were organized by insurance companies to patrol a neighborhood and report any fires that occurred, inspect buildings for fire hazards, and work with the fire department to prevent loss of life and property. Patrol wagons were equipped with rubber blankets to protect property from water damage, and fire extinguishers and buckets to squelch small fires. The patrols would pump water from cellars and mop it up from roofs after the fire had been extinguished. The badge is decorated with a small torch at the top and a plaque with floral decorations at the bottom. Upper and lower banners read “PHILADA / FIRE INSURANCE / PATROL” in raised letters. The center of the badge has a banner engraved “SUPERINTENDENT” filled in with black enamel. The Philadelphia Fire Insurance Patrol operated from 1869 until 1962. The original commander’s rank of Captain was changed to Superintendent circa 1915.
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 in the 1880’s. This helmet belonged to assistant engineer Louis Brandt of Paterson, New Jersey. The leather helmet is painted white and has sixty-four combs with a metal eagle frontpiece holder mounted on the crown. The rim of the helmet has an embossed scroll pattern. The back of the helmet has a stamped scrolled pattern with two embossed hexagonal hydrants with hoses, and a frontpiece-shaped metal plate that reads "Louis Brandt, Ass't Engineer."
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 manufactured by Cairns & Brother of New York, New York. The helmet has eight combs and is painted white overall, with a leaping metal lion frontpiece holder. The leather frontpiece is painted white with a painted gold rim, with the word “CHIEF” in large gold letters in the center of the frontpiece. Two red ribbons are attached to the back of the helmet’s brim for decorative effect.
This oval metal fire badge belonged to a member of the fire department of Newburgh, New York. The badge is decorated by an encircled hose and is topped by crossed speaking trumpets and a helmet. An upper banner reads “NEWBURGH” while a lower banner reads “FIRE DEPARTMENT.” The number “576” is in the center of the badge. The design of this badge was a popular choice among fire companies at the time, as examples can be seen in object 2005.0233.1258, 2005.0233.1270, 2005.0233.1331, 2005.0233.1358, 2005.0233.1361, and 2005.0233.1366 representing companies from Passaic, Brooklyn, Newburgh, Goshen, and Dover.
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 white leather frontpiece has red banners with raised white leather letters that reads “JT HALLAHAN/KINGSTON/JO.”A large recessed black number “5” is in the center of the piece.
This shield-shaped metal fire badge belonged to a member of the Kingston Exempt Association of Kingston, New York. Exempt Associations were formed when exempt firemen, who had served five years or more in the volunteer company, created associations after the introduction of paid fire departments. The exempt associations served to foster camaraderie and “continue the fraternal associations” established as volunteer firemen. This badge likely dates to the late 19th or early 20th century, when most volunteer companies were replaced with paid fire departments. The top of the badge is decorated with a crossed trumpet and a hose nozzle behind a fire helmet. The banners are inscribed with the text “KINGSTON/EXEMPT/ASSOCIATION/N.Y.” filled in with black enamel. A laurel wreath surrounds the word “EXEMPT.”
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 Maltese cross-shaped metal fire badge would have been worn by a member of the Brookline Fire Company of Havertown, Pennsylvania. The badge features a hook and ladder on the left arm, a fire hydrant on the right arm, and a center image of a trumpet, hook, ladder, and lantern arrayed behind a fire helmet. The central rim of the badge is engraved with the text “BROOKLINE/FIRE CO.” A small banner underneath is engraved “DEL. CO. PA.” filled in with black enamel. The Brookline Fire Company was founded in 1914, and continues to operate in Delaware County, Pennsylvania as one of five fire companies protecting Havertown.
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 issued by the fire department of Cleveland, Ohio. The metal badge has a stippled background, with an upper banner that reads “CLEVELAND” in raised letters. Below the banner are the initials “F.D.” A raised white metal number “1” is in the center of the badge. The paid Cleveland Fire Department was established in 1863, replacing the volunteer fire department that had operated since 1833.
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 Eagle Hose Company No. 2 of Nyack, New York. The badge has an upper and lower banner that reads “EAGLE HOSE/NYACK.” Two crossed trumpets are behind the upper banner, below the lower banner is a plaque inscribed with the number “2” with a ladder and hook arrayed behind it. The center of the badge is decorated with an image of hose carriage flanked by the initials “F” and “D.” The Eagle Hose Company No. 2 ran with the Mazeppa Company engine to fires during the second half of the 19th 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 belonged to a member of the Allentown Fire Department of Allentown, Pennsylvania with badge number 632. The silver-plated badge has a stippled background with the raised text “ALLENTOWN/FIRE/DEPARTMENT.” A brass number “632” is in the center of the badge. The Allentown Fire Department was founded in 1870 from a collection of previously existing volunteer companies.
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 Winfield (New Jersey) Fire Department. The brass badge has a raised number “3” at its top, with a banner below that reads “WINFIELD.” A silver “57” sits in the center of the badge above the raised text “FIRE.” At the bottom of the badge is a banner that reads “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.
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 is a shield-shaped metal fire badge from the Assistance Fire Company No. 8 of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1789, they operated as a hand engine company until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established. The bronze colored badge has a large number “8” at the center with the text “ASSISTANCE” arching above and “FIRE Co.” below. There were many fire companies with the name Assistance operating in the northeast United States.
This shield-shaped metal fire badge was used by a member of the fire department of Bayonne, New Jersey. Upper and lower banners read “BAYONNE/DEPARTMENT.” The center of the badge has a brass number “53” with the “FIRE” below. Below the upper banner is a fire helmet with two crossed trumpets behind it. Bayonne established its paid municipal fire department in 1906, which would be the earliest date associated with this 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 round metal fire badge has a central decoration consisting of a fire helmet, two crossed fire trumpets, a crossed ladder and hook, fire torch, axe, and other firefighting paraphernalia. Above these is an old fire pumper, and below is a hose reel. The rim of the medal is inscribed "THE VOLUNTEER FIREMENS ASSOCIATION W.D. CITY OF BROOKLYN" with the number "497" inscribed in a plaque at the bottom of the badge. After the dissolution of volunteer firefighting companies in favor of a paid municipal force, volunteer associations were founded to continue the camaraderie of fire houses amongst former volunteers. This badge would have been worn by a member of Brooklyn’s Western District volunteer association, possibly in tandem with his active duty 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 circular metal fire badge belonged to an exempt member of the Elizabeth, New Jersey fire department. The badge has a beaded edge and decorated with a central image of a fire helmet, with a hook, ladder, lantern, trumpet, and fire hose arrayed behind the helmet, flanked by the letters “F” and “D.” An upper banner reads “EXEMPT” and the lower banner reads “ELIZABETH.” The number “184” is in a circular plaque at the bottom of the badge. After several years of service, volunteer firemen would be exempt from jury duty or militia service. As volunteer firemen were replaced by paid departments, these exempt firemen often founded associations for mutual aid and as social clubs.
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 fire department of Paterson, New Jersey. A small circular plaque at the top of the badge bears the badge number “3.” Below that are the initials “P.F.D.” A large number “1” is in the center of the badge. A curled roll of hose is behind the “1,” 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.
This silver-plated shield-shaped badge bears the engraved block lettering "Hose Reel / 5 / T.H." It was likely used by a member of a hose company during the late 19th 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 white metal fire badge belonged to a member of the fire department of West Troy, New York. West Troy incorporated as a village in 1836, and changed its name to Watervliet in 1896, dating the badge to before that year. The badge has a stippled background, with raised lettering that reads “WEST TROY/FIRE/DEPARTMENT.” The number “109” is in the center of the badge in raised brass colored 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.