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 helmet dates to the mid-19th century. The helmet has eight combs, an embossed ivy-vine design around the brim, and a metal eagle frontpiece holder mounted to the crown of the helmet. The grey frontpiece reads “STOCKTON/2/WMH.’
As more American volunteer fire fighting companies began to form during the late 18th century, a need emerged for better organized efforts in combating conflagrations. Engineers and officers would use “speaking trumpets” to amplify their voices over the noise and commotion of a fire scene to direct the company in effectively fighting the blaze. Two trumpet variants are reflected in the collection: plain and functional “working” trumpets that were actively used at fires, and highly decorated “presentation” trumpets. Presentation trumpets were awarded to firefighters in honor of their service, or between fire companies during visits, competitions, and musters.
This brass and nickel speaking trumpet dates to the 19th century. The unadorned speaking trumpet has two rounded nickel bands around the upper and lower portion of the shaft. There is one long vertical seam along the trumpet. Two rings hang from the side of the trumpet’s shaft. The rings could be strung with a cord to create a carrying strap for the trumpet.
This leather fire helmet was made by Cairns & Brother of New York, New York during the late 19th to early 20th century. This helmet resembles a pith helmet, deviating from the style of the standard fire helmets with elongated rear brim, frontpiece, and metal frontpiece holder. The helmet is painted white with a braided rope across the visor attached to buttons on both sides of the helmet that bear the initials “FD.” The helmet’s elaborate metal frontpiece bears the Roman numerals “VI,” two hexagonal fire hydrants with hoses, an axe, pole lantern, hook, and ladder. According to labels and marks inside the hat, the hat belonged to “Isaiah Case Hook & Ladder Company No. 6,” which was founded in Newark, New Jersey, in 1865.
As more American volunteer fire fighting companies began to form during the late 18th century, a need emerged for better organized efforts in combating conflagrations. Engineers and officers would use “speaking trumpets” to amplify their voices over the noise and commotion of a fire scene to direct the company in effectively fighting the blaze. Two trumpet variants are reflected in the collection: plain and functional “working” trumpets that were actively used at fires, and highly decorated “presentation” trumpets. Presentation trumpets were awarded to firefighters in honor of their service, or between fire companies during visits, competitions, and musters.
This brass and pewter speaking trumpet was used during the 19th century. The brass trumpet has two flat pewter bands around the upper and lower portion of the shaft. Two rings hang from the side of the trumpet’s shaft. The rings would be strung with a cord to create a strap for the trumpet.
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 leather frontpiece was made during the 19th century; possibly around 1868.The shield commemorates the meeting of an unknown No. 2 fire company from Stonington Connecticut with the Passaic No. 1 company from Paterson, New Jersey. The frontpiece is made of light tan leather overall. At the top is a banner with the black leather letters “ONE” with the letter “P” in black paint. The letters “NI” can be seen in red. No known company “PNOINE” company existed, and the missing letters makes identifying the company difficult. A large recessed number “2” is on the upper half of the frontpiece. A banner below has black leather letters that read “STONINGTON Ct”; below that is a recessed cartouche with the black leather letters “TO”; a banner below reads “PASSAIC” in black leather letters. A large recessed black number “1” has the black leather letters “PATERSON, NJ” in a banner below it.
As more American volunteer fire fighting companies began to form during the late 18th century, a need emerged for better organized efforts in combating conflagrations. Engineers and officers would use “speaking trumpets” to amplify their voices over the noise and commotion of a fire scene to direct the company in effectively fighting the blaze. Two trumpet variants are reflected in the collection: plain and functional “working” trumpets that were actively used at fires, and highly decorated “presentation” trumpets. Presentation trumpets were awarded to firefighters in honor of their service, or between fire companies during visits, competitions, and musters.
This brass and copper trumpet was used during the 19th century. The trumpet has a flat band encircling the bell’s rim, the lower portion of the trumpet, and by the mouthpiece. A ring is connected to the bottom of the trumpet’s shaft to allow for a cord to be attached.
As more American volunteer fire fighting companies began to form during the late 18th century, a need emerged for better organized efforts in combating conflagrations. Engineers and officers would use “speaking trumpets” to amplify their voices over the noise and commotion of a fire scene to direct the company in effectively fighting the blaze. Two trumpet variants are reflected in the collection: plain and functional “working” trumpets that were actively used at fires, and highly decorated “presentation” trumpets. Presentation trumpets were awarded to firefighters in honor of their service, or between fire companies during visits, competitions, and musters.
This nickel-plated brass speaking trumpet is unadorned and was in use during the second half of the 19th century. Two rings are attached to the trumpet’s shaft, and a leather strap is buckled through the rings to form a handle. The trumpet has no inscriptions and shows wear in a variety of places.
As more American volunteer fire fighting companies began to form during the late 18th century, a need emerged for better organized efforts in combating conflagrations. Engineers and officers would use “speaking trumpets” to amplify their voices over the noise and commotion of a fire scene to direct the company in effectively fighting the blaze. Two trumpet variants are reflected in the collection: plain and functional “working” trumpets that were actively used at fires, and highly decorated “presentation” trumpets. Presentation trumpets were awarded to firefighters in honor of their service, or between fire companies during visits, competitions, and musters.
This silver plated speaking trumpet was made during the 19th century. The trumpet was made as a presentation piece, but the cartouche that normally bears the inscription has no engraving. The bell of the trumpet is fluted, and the trumpet is engraved with a floral motif. A braided blue cord with tassels is strung through the two rings protruding from the trumpet’s shaft.
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 hat was manufactured by Philip & Company during the 19th century. The helmet has eight combs, with a gilt metal eagle/phoenix frontpiece holder. The frontpiece reads “WILLIAM PENN/3/HOSE”.
As more American volunteer fire fighting companies began to form during the late 18th century, a need emerged for better organized efforts in combating conflagrations. Engineers and officers would use “speaking trumpets” to amplify their voices over the noise and commotion of a fire scene to direct the company in effectively fighting the blaze. Two trumpet variants are reflected in the collection: plain and functional “working” trumpets that were actively used at fires, and highly decorated “presentation” trumpets. Presentation trumpets were awarded to firefighters in honor of their service, or between fire companies during visits, competitions, and musters.
This brass and tin work trumpet was used around 1832. The upper portion of the trumpet is tin and covered in leather to create a grip, while the lower portion is made of brass. One ring is attached to the bottom of the trumpet to allow a cord to be attached .The initials “D.F.D.” are engraved on the lower half of the trumpet, possibly standing for the Delaware Fire Department.
As more American volunteer fire fighting companies began to form during the late 18th century, a need emerged for better organized efforts in combating conflagrations. Engineers and officers would use “speaking trumpets” to amplify their voices over the noise and commotion of a fire scene to direct the company in effectively fighting the blaze. Two trumpet variants are reflected in the collection: plain and functional “working” trumpets that were actively used at fires, and highly decorated “presentation” trumpets. Presentation trumpets were awarded to firefighters in honor of their service, or between fire companies during visits, competitions, and musters.
This brass trumpet was used by the Delaware Fire Company likely based in Trenton, New Jersey. The trumpet is painted brown, and the text “Delaware Fire Co./ Organized 1821/ Columbia” has been painted in a cream color on the side.
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 nickel-plated brass engine plate has “AMERICAN” and the number “5” engraved into the face that is filled with black enamel. There are small incised lines curving around the “5” and above “American.” There are holes at the top and corners of the plate, which allowed the plate to be attached to the engine. This engine plate may have adorned the engine of the American Fire Engine and Hose Company No. 5 of Lancaster, Pennsylvania during the late 19th century.
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.
The brass engine plate was used by the Hibernia Fire Engine Company No. 1 of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on their Reaney & Neafie steam engine built in 1858. This rectangular plate has the text “HIBERNIA / No. 1” engraved in wide shaded calligraphic letters. The sides of the plate have holes showing where the plate would have been attached to the engine. The Hibernia Fire Engine Company No. 1 was organized in 1752 and operated as a hand engine company until it acquired a steam fire engine in 1858. It operated as a steam fire engine company until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established. It was Philadelphia’s largest and oldest companies, and used several different engines and apparatus during its history.
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 engine plate was attached to a fire engine made by Stephen Thayer from Boston, Massachusetts. Thayer operated his business from 1811 to 1861 producing a variety of fire engines and other machine parts. The brass plate is engraved with the text “Stephen Thayer/Maker/Boston, Mass./1838.” The plate has been mounted on a rectangular wooden board with four screws in the plate’s scalloped corners.
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 shield-shaped brass engine plate was used by the Northern Liberty Fire Company No. 1 of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that was founded in 1756 and operated until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established. 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 plate is mounted onto a larger wooden shield. Engraved on the shield is “NORTHERN LIBERTY / No 1 / FIRE Co.” There is a hole at the top of the shield for mounting.
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 Eagle Insurance Company of Cincinnati, Ohio produced this fire mark around 1855. The oval mark is made of cast iron and features a version of the Great Seal of the United States, with the eagle sitting on the U.S. shield that is over three arrows and an olive branch. There is a banner below that reads “EAGLE INS. Co.” and a second banner reads “CIN. O.” The mark has been painted red. The Eagle Insurance Company operated in Cincinnati, Ohio from 1850 until 1894.
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 maker’s plate was originally attached to a fire engine built by Hunneman & Company of Boston, Massachusetts in 1872. The scalloped shield-shaped plate bears the inscribed text “No. 722/HUNNEMAN & CO./Builders/BOSTON/1872.” A plate has been attached over “Boston” that reads “State of / Massachusetts / 612.” The entire plate has been mounted onto a square wooden board. Hunneman & Company was originally founded in Boston in 1792 and was renowned for its hand-pumped apparatus. In 1866, the company built its first steam engine and continued to make a variety of fire engines until 1883.
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 maker’s plate was attached to a handtub fire engine made by Howard and Davis of Boston, Massachusetts around 1852. The company was primarily known for manufacturing clocks, but also made fire engines from 1842 to 1857.The rectangular brass plate is engraved with the text “HOWARD & DAVIS/BOSTON/1852” which is mounted on a wooden plaque. The lower right corner of the plate has been chipped off.
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 Hope Mutual Insurance Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania issued this cast iron fire mark between 1854 and 1860. The oval-shaped mark has a beaded edge and a central image of a female figure standing by a rock or pedestal and placing her hand on an anchor. The female figure is intended to be an allegorical representation of Hope. The mark is made of cast iron, and has been painted black.
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 engine plate likely belonged to the Good Will Hose Company No. 25 of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that was founded on March 1, 1834. The company operated as a hose company until 1859 when it acquired a steam fire engine. It served as a hose and steam fire engine company until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established. The plate has raised lettering with gold coloring that reads “GOODWILL HOSE” over a red background. The back of the plate has two bolts and nuts that allowed it to be attached to the engine.