Competition, fraternal bonds and honorable service were the hallmarks of 19th century fire companies, and ornate trophies served as recognition of these values. Trophies were often presented to veteran officers in appreciation of their service. One fire company might give a commemorative trophy to another as a goodwill offering or in gratitude for their hospitality. Trophies and other awards could also be won in competitions between fire companies to demonstrate their professional skills, or even in sporting contests like baseball.
This silver trophy was made by the R&W Wilson Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1846. The inscription reads “Presented to Jesse Ogden by his fellow Members of the United States Fire Co. for the faithfulness and ability with which he has discharged the duties of Treasurer of the Company 10, Mo. 29. 1846.” On the opposite side there is a version of the Great Seal of the United States, with an eagle clutching a shield, olive branch and bundle of arrows. Below this is a banner engraved with the motto "E Pluribus Unum.” Jesse Ogden was a Quaker and well-known literary figure in Philadelphia. He belonged to the Philosophical Society and was the managing librarian for the Apprentice's Library Company in the city.
Competition, fraternal bonds and honorable service were the hallmarks of 19th century fire companies, and ornate trophies served as recognition of these values. Trophies were often presented to veteran officers in appreciation of their service. One fire company might give a commemorative trophy to another as a goodwill offering or in gratitude for their hospitality. Trophies and other awards could also be won in competitions between fire companies to demonstrate their professional skills, or even in sporting contests like baseball.
This coin silver pitcher was made by Peter L. Krider of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1851. The pitcher was presented the same year as a trophy to Robert Tempest, the President of the Hibernia Fire Engine Company. The inscription on the front reads, “Presented to ROBERT TEMPEST, President of the HIBERNIA FIRE ENGINE COMPANY, No. 1, by his fellow-members, as a token of their high regard for him as a Fireman and Presiding Officer, February 20th, 1851.” The back of the trophy is inscribed, “Reward of merit.” Robert Tempest was a successful Philadelphia jeweler with the firm of Marshall and Tempest. He joined Hibernia in 1814, having originally served as a volunteer with the Sun Engine Company.
Competition, fraternal bonds and honorable service were the hallmarks of 19th century fire companies, and ornate trophies served as recognition of these values. Trophies were often presented to veteran officers in appreciation of their service. One fire company might give a commemorative trophy to another as a goodwill offering or in gratitude for their hospitality. Trophies and other awards could also be won in competitions between fire companies to demonstrate their professional skills, or even in sporting contests like baseball.
This coin silver ewer was made in 1858 by R&W Wilson Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The pitcher was presented by the Hibernia Fire Engine Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as a trophy to Colonel James Page in recognition for his service and leadership. The engraving reads, “Hibernia Fire Engine Company, No. 1 Instituted February 20, 1752. To Col. James Page, their President, In testimony of their esteem for him as a faithful member and efficient officer.” Page was elected a member of Hibernia in 1821 and served three times as the company's President. A lawyer by training, James Page was a veteran of the war of 1812, and an illustrious figure in Philadelphia. In addition to his service as President of Hibernia Fire Company, Colonel Page held many other public positions throughout his life including the Postmaster of Philadelphia, President of the Democratic State Association, Commissioner for the erection of new public buildings, Collector of the Port of Philadelphia, and Commissioner of Bankruptcy.
Competition, fraternal bonds and honorable service were the hallmarks of 19th century fire companies, and ornate trophies served as recognition of these values. Trophies were often presented to veteran officers in appreciation of their service. One fire company might give a commemorative trophy to another as a goodwill offering or in gratitude for their hospitality. Trophies and other awards could also be won in competitions between fire companies to demonstrate their professional skills, or even in sporting contests like baseball.
This silver plated trophy was created by the Pairpoint Manufacturing Company of New Bedford, Massachusetts, in 1899. The trophy has a plaque on its ebony base with the inscription “Presented to the Association of Exempt Firemen of Paterson, New Jersey, by the Liberty Fire Co. No. 5 of Reading, Pennsylvania.” The word "Victory" is incorporated into the design of the lid beneath a spread-winged eagle. The Association of Exempt Firemen was a group formed to foster camaraderie between volunteer firemen after they had ceased participating in active duty. The cup was presented to the Paterson Exempts by a small delegation of the Liberty Fire Company on September 2, 1899. It was given to commemorate a visit to Paterson by the entire Reading company in March of that year, when the Exempts served as hosts. Such fraternal visits between fire companies and veterans groups were a common practice in 19th century fire service.
This badge likely belonged to a member of Hose Company No. 4 located in Baldwin, New York. The badge takes the form of a twisted hose with nozzle in the shape of a figure 8, with a fire helmet at its start. The hose reads “BALDWIN HOSE 4” in raised letters. This badge was likely a decorative pin worn on a lapel.
This commemorative medal was made to celebrate an 1889 trip of the Monhagan Hose Company of Middletown, New York, to visit the Cataract Engine & Hose Company No. 1 of Goshen, New York. The medal seen in object 2005.0233.1587 commemorates a trip by the Cataract Engine & Hose Company to the Monhagan Hose Company in Morristown, suggesting the visits may have been an annual event. This badge consists of three horizontal metal cartouches hanging vertically, linked by chains, with a small gold tassel at the bottom. The cartouches read “MONHAGAN/CATARACT/GOSHEN 1889.”
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 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 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 “FOREMAN,” filled with black enamel, above the bronze raised numeral “VI.” Fire plugs to the 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.
This shield-shaped metal fire badge belonged to an inspector of a Pennsylvania-based fire insurance company. The inspector was responsible for examining buildings and making sure they met the insurance company’s standards, as well as inspecting the post-fire damage.
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 a ship under sail above, a plow in the middle, and three sheaves of grain below. The shield is 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 belonged to a member of the Hartford Veteran Volunteer Firemen’s Association of Hartford, Connecticut between 1890 and 1920. The badge is topped by a spread-winged eagle with a banner in its beak that reads “Org. Nov. 25, 1889.” The center of the badge features an image of Connecticut’s state seal, three grapevines over a banner with the Latin motto Qui Transtulit Sustinet (He who transplanted sustains). An upper banner is inscribed “HARTFORD VET. VOL.,” the lower banner is inscribed “FIRE MENS ASSOCIATION” and a plaque below is inscribed “CONN.”
The Hartford Veteran Volunteer Firemen’s Association was founded on November 25, 1889. Originally only for members of the old volunteer hand-engine companies, by 1893, the association let anyone with over five years of service join. The association had a building located at 27 Arch Street where they stored their hand engines that were used in parades and where they met for business and revelry.
This shield-shaped metal fire badge has a stippled brown background with raised brass text that reads “GOODWILL/746/H.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 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.
This silver-colored metal fire badge has a faceted rim and a stippled background. The top of the badge bears the raised initials “C.F.D.” A bronze-colored raised number “1” is in the center of the badge, with a raised image of a ladder truck below.
Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes. Badges served as official identification at fire scenes, as access to derelict buildings by unscrupulous citizens could result in looting. Fire badges came in a variety of shapes, most notably circular, shield–shaped, or the Maltese cross. While shield–shaped badges were often worn on the chest, circular and cross-shaped badges can be seen on jacket lapels or soft caps. Badges usually detailed the company’s name, number and department, and were often decorated with various symbols of the profession such as hose carriages, hand–pumped engines, hoses, trumpets, helmets, hooks, and ladders. For paid municipal companies, many badges also featured the badge number of the wearer.
This metal fire badge has a spread–winged eagle at its top. The rim of the badge is inscribed "Pioneer/S.L.F.D." An image of a steam fire engine is in the center of the badge.
Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes. Badges served as official identification at fire scenes, as access to derelict buildings by unscrupulous citizens could result in looting. Fire badges came in a variety of shapes, most notably circular, shield–shaped, or the Maltese cross. While shield–shaped badges were often worn on the chest, circular and cross-shaped badges can be seen on jacket lapels or soft caps. Badges usually detailed the company’s name, number and department, and were often decorated with various symbols of the profession such as hose carriages, hand–pumped engines, hoses, trumpets, helmets, hooks, and ladders. For paid municipal companies, many badges also featured the badge number of the wearer.
In the early days of firefighting, insurance companies and fire departments worked together at a fire scene. 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, fire extinguishers, and buckets to squelch small fires, and would pump water from cellars and mop it up from roofs after the fire had been extinguished.
This metal shield-shaped fire badge belonged to a patrolman of the Fire Insurance Patrol of the City of Philadelphia. 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 bears the raised white metal badge number “62.” The Fire Insurance Patrol operated from 1869 until 1962.
In the early days of firefighting, insurance companies and fire departments worked together at a fire scene. Fire patrols were organized by insurance companies to cover 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, fire extinguishers, and buckets to squelch small fires, and would pump water from cellars and mop it up from roofs after the fire was extinguished.
This metal shield-shaped fire badge belonged to the president of the Fire Insurance Patrol of the City of Philadelphia. The badge is decorated with a small torch at the top and an unmarked plaque with floral decorations at the bottom. Upper and lower banners read “PRESIDENT / FIRE INSURANCE / PATROL” in raised letters. The center of the badge bears an image of a group of firemen in a horse-drawn cart on a patrol. The Fire Insurance Patrol operated from 1869 until 1962. The President was always held by an insurance company executive.
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 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.