This shield-shaped metal fire badge belonged to a member of the Atlantic Fire Department of Long Branch, New Jersey. The badge is inscribed “LONG BRANCH/ATLANTIC/44/FIRE DEPT.” and the lettering is filled in with black enamel. Long Branch was a popular beach resort vacation destination during the 19th century, as seven presidents visited the town for vacations, and President Garfield visited after being shot in an effort to aid his recuperation.
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 badge hangs from a ring. The center of the badge depicts an image of a hose reel fire apparatus. Around this image is the inscription “FOUNTAIN/HOSE” with the initials “B.F.D.” at the top and the number “4” at the bottom. This badge belonged to the Fountain Hose Company No. 4 of the Binghamton, New York fire department. The Fountain Hose Company No. 4 was established in 1843, and was well known for its parade hose carriage designed by Henry Per–Lee in 1863.
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 metal plate was used by the Northern Liberty Fire Company No. 1 of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The company was instituted on May 1st, 1756 and operated on the corner of Cable Lane and Callowhill Road. The number “1” refers to the fact that it was the first engine company organized in the incorporated district of Northern Liberties, which was consolidated into Philadelphia in 1854. The scalloped rectangular plate features the number “1” engraved in the center with a trumpet in the middle. Engraved calligraphic script at the top and bottom reads “NORTHERN LIBERTY FIRE CO. / Instituted May 1.1756 / Incorporated Mar.18.1833.”
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 black leather fire dates to the late 19th century. The helmet has eight combs, with decorative triangles in between the segments and ivy-vine scrollwork around the hat’s brim. The metal eagle’s head frontpiece holder is mounted onto the crown of the helmet, with a thin metal frontpiece that reads “WASHINGTON/1/HOSE.” The frontpiece has a stamped rope border, and the center number “1” is surrounded by a hose.
This shield-shaped metal fire badge belonged to a member of the fire department of Richmond, Virginia. The silver-plated badge has a stippled background with upper and lower banners that read “RICHMOND/FIRE DEPARTMENT.” The design at the middle of the badge is a representation of the early seal of Virginia that depicts the goddess Virtus victorious over Tyranny. Virtus, with spear and sword, is shown standing in triumph over the body of a tyrant—likely representing King George III—with scepter and crown fallen at his side. Virginia adopted this image as its official state seal in 1776, continues to use a variation on its state flag.
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 was used by a foreman of the Chicago Fire Department Engine No. 2. The badge has a unique shape, made to resemble a fire hydrant. The badge is inscribed with the text “ENGINE/2/CHICAGO/FIRE DEP’T/FOREMAN/1” which is filled in with black enamel. This Chicago Fire Department introduced its first paid departments in August of 1858, with the last volunteer companies not going out of service until 1867. Engine 2 was eventually disbanded in 1963. This was the second type of badge style the Chicago Fire Department used, introducing it around 1875.
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 metal plate was attached to an engine that was made by Lysander Button of Waterford, New York around 1864. The shield-shaped plate bears the text “L. BUTTON/BUILDER/Waterford, N.Y./PATENTED, 1864/No. 10”with a variety of curving decorative incisions around the text. At the bottom is the maker's mark for the shield itself—“C. E. RICE / WORCESTER." The reverse is stamped “W. L. ROBINSON / 334.” Lysander Button was a machinist working in New York from 1841 to 1882 who held numerous patents relating to the manufacture and operation of hand-pumped and steam fire engines. The 1864 patent listed on this plate was patent number 42,5S7 that related to the improvement in steam fire engines.
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 brass fire engine plate belonged to the Weccacoe Fire Company No. 19 of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Weccacoe was founded on May 1st, 1800, incorporated in 1833, and acquired steam fire engine in 1859, which was replaced in 1864. It operated as a steam fire engine company until Philadelphia founded its own municipal fire department in 1871. The brief-lived Weccacoe Hose Company was formed by disgruntled members of Weccacoe Fire Company in 1842, following a political split over temperance and nativist sentiments. The Hose Company was disbanded for rioting in 1854. The curved plate is engraved with the text “WECCACOE” in a fancy text script that is filled with black enamel and outlined in gold.
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 cross-shaped white metal fire badge belonged to 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 the number “146” in the center, all filled in with black enamel. The size of the badge likely means it was worn on the cap, rather than the chest.
This round metal fire badge likely belonged to a member of the fire department number 2 of Jersey City, New Jersey. The badge has a laurel wreath border with "J.C.F.D" in raised letters in a banner at the top of the badge. The center of the badge has a raised silver number “2” with a depiction of a hand-pumped fire engine underneath. The badge number “68” is in an oval 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.
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 metal frontpiece was made by F. Jahn, located at 506 Race Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania during the late 19th century. The frontpiece has stamped brass banners that read “FRIENDSHIP/FIRE Co.” A brass number “1” with a cross-hatched pattern is in the center of the piece.
This badge was used by a member of the Americus No. 1 Hook and Ladder Company, possibly from the Ozone Park the neighborhood of Queens, New York during the late 19th century. The badge is in the form of the Maltese cross, a common firefighting symbol. The upper and lower arms of the cross read “Americus” and “89” with the right arm featuring a fire hydrant and the left arm depicting a ladder and hook. The center of the badge depicts a hook and ladder truck with the number “1” above and the initials “H. & L.” 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 circular metal fire badge has a spread winged eagle perched at the top of the badge. The center of the badge bears a decorative image of a hook, ladder, torch, trumpet, and hose nozzle arrayed behind a fire helmet. The rim of the badge is inscribed “W.H.F.D./TRUSTEE” and filled with black enamel. The fire department that issued this badge is unknown, but badges of this type were given to members of a department’s Board of Trustees. Trustees typically oversaw the department’s budgetary concerns, as well as deciding a department’s geographical responsibilities.
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 Fire Engine No. 4 of Elizabeth, New Jersey. A fire helmet with crossed trumpet and hose nozzle sits at the top of the shield. An upper banner on a stippled background reads “Elizabeth, N.J.” in raised letters. There is a large number “4” in the center of the badge, above an image of a steam powered fire engine. Badge number “751” 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.
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 dates to the late 19th century. The frontpiece reads "VICE/ PRESIDENT/ CHARLESTOWN/ VETERAN/ VFA" in white block lettering on a black background. There is black decorative stitching throughout the frontpiece.
This shield-shaped metal fire badge was used by a member of the Brooklyn Fire Department, Eastern District of Brooklyn, New York between 1855 and 1869. The Brooklyn Eastern District Fire Department was organized when Williamsburgh was consolidated into Brooklyn, and was separate from the N.Y.F.D. until the institution of the paid department in 1870. The brass badge has a stippled background with upper and lower smooth banners bearing the inscription “BROOKLYN/FIRE DEPt./E.D.” A large silver number “1” sits 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 round silver plated fire badge with number 72 belonged to a member of the fire department of Morristown, New Jersey. A riveted fire hose is depicted around the rim of the badge, with two crossed fire trumpets at its bottom. The badge has a stippled background with an upper banner that reads “MORRISTOWN” and a lower banner that reads “FIRE DEP’T.” with a brass number “72” 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.
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 frontpiece was made during the early 20th century. At the top of the red leather frontpiece are two dark brown banners with white leather lettering that reads “McLEAN/ENGINE.” A large white leather “3” is in the center of the piece, below it is a recessed cartouche with a dark brown background. White leather initials “HPS” originally were in the cartouche, but the “H” is missing a stem, and the “P” is completely absent.
This shield-shaped metal fire badge belonged to a member of the fire department of Port Jervis, New York. The badge is decorated with a central image of a fire helmet with a, hook, ladder, axe, fire nozzle, lantern, and trumpets arrayed behind it. A brass “66” sits below the decoration. An upper banner reads “PORT JERVIS” while a lower banner reads “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 circular metal fire badge was used by a member of the Western District Fire Department in Brooklyn, New York between 1855 and 1869. The Brooklyn Western District Fire Department was founded when Williamsburg was consolidated into Brooklyn and the Fire Department was split into Eastern and Western Districts. These two districts operated until the institution of the paid department in 1870. The badge is made of Prince’s metal (a copper and zinc alloy), which denoted a non exempt fireman. The raised white metal number “2333” is in the center of the badge. An upper banner is inscribed “BROOKLYN” and a lower banner reads “FIRE DEPt./W.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.