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 by Henry T. Gratacap of New York, New York between 1868 and 1869. The frontpiece is painted black, with painted gold lettering that reads “INSURANCE/1/PATROL/R.D.” Museum records note that the Insurance Patrol No. 1 Company was founded in 1869 and located on Little Boys Court in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
This shield is modeled after the United States shield, with 13 red and white stripes and blue field with gold stars. The center of the shield bears a crossed torch and axe behind the number “1,” and reads “Lafayette H&L Co, Organized July 21, 1845.” Behind the shield is a crossed ladder and hook. A hook and ladder company would often work in conjunction with hose and engine companies to fight fires.
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. Two brown banners are at the top and bottom of the piece. The banner has white leather lettering that reads “VETERAN/PHILADELPHIA.” A transfer painted image of a Philadelphia-style end stroke hand pumped fire engine is at the center of the frontpiece. This piece was likely used by a member of the Veteran Firemen’s Association of Philadelphia, an association created in 1887 to maintain the camaraderie of the volunteer fire department after members had retired, or after the introduction of paid companies put an end to the volunteer system.
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 worn by a member of the Lafayette Hose Company No. 22, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Organized in 1831, the company was active until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established. The frontpiece is made of white leather, with two red banners at the top that read “LAFAYETTE / HOSE.” A large black recessed number “22” is in the center of the frontpiece, with the raised white leather initials “SR” on a red cartouche at the bottom of the frontpiece.
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 patent leather frontpiece was made by Cairns & Brother of New York, New York the mid-20th century. The frontpiece has a brown leather exterior with cutouts revealing a white interior. The frontpiece has stitching around its white recessed upper and lower banner, with stitching also around its edge. The upper banner reads “365” in black paint; the lower banner has the initials “PFD” in black paint. The center of the frontpiece has cut-outs to shape a recessed number “26” in white, surrounded by stitching.
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 patent leather frontpiece was made by Cairns & Brother of New York, New York in the mid-20th century. The black frontpiece has two recessed banners at the top and bottom. The rim of the frontpiece and the banners are framed by stitching. The upper banner reads “ENGINE” in white paint; the lower banner reads “13” in white paint. A large white leather number “1” is stitched on to the center of the piece.
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 by Cairns & Brother of New York, New York during the mid-20th century. The red frontpiece has two recessed banners at the top and bottom. The rim of the frontpiece and the banners are framed by white stitching. The upper banner reads “LADDER” in white paint; the lower banner has the number “14”in white paint. The number “24” is stitched into the center of the piece in raised white leather numbers.
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 by the William H. Wilson Manufacturing Company located at 135 Bowery Street, New York, New York sometime between 1860 and 1870. The leather frontpiece is painted black, with gold stitching around the rim. A painted red banner at the top of the frontpiece reads “NORTHERN LIBERTY” and the bottom painted red banner reads “HOSE & STEAM” in gold text. The frontpiece has a large stitched blue number “4” in the center and a lower cartouche originally had the leather initials “TRJ” inside, but the “RJ” is now missing.
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 by Cairns & Brother of New York, New York around 1875. Two red banners are at the top of the frontpiece with raised gold leather lettering that reads “HYDRAULION/SFE Co.” A large black number “3” is in the center, with a black banner at the bottom with raised gold leather initials that reads “CW” with a first initial missing.
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 the Jahn and Oliver Engraving Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania around 1895. The front piece is made entirely of metal, with the overlapping monogram “VFA” in brass in the center. The initials “VFA” stands for the Veteran Firemen’s Association of Philadelphia, that was formed in 1887 after the volunteer firemen ceased active service in an effort to continue the foster camaraderie among veteran firefighters.
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 worn by a member of the Humane Fire Engine Company No. 13, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Organized in 1794, it was a hand engine company until it acquired a steam fire engine in 1863, which was replaced in 1865. The company was active until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established. This leather frontpiece was made between 1861 and 1865. The frontpiece is painted black with gold stitching around the perimeter. A gold star is at the top of the frontpiece, which reads “HUMANE/13/CHW” in gold lettering.
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 patent leather frontpiece was made by Cairns & Brother of New York, New York the mid-20th century. The black frontpiece has two recessed banners at the top and bottom. Stitching can be seen surrounding the banners and the edge. The upper recessed banner reads “ENGINE” in white paint; the lower recessed banner has the number “13” in white paint. The raised white leather number “73” is stitched in to the center of the frontpiece.
The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information. The fire company's name and number appeared, often alongside the city or town where it was based. The frontpiece could also include the owner's initials and rank. Most fire helmets had leather frontpieces, but frontpieces could also be made of metal, especially on presentation helmets or those worn in parades.
This black leather frontpiece was made around 1885. The frontpiece has "SNOW DRIFT" in white letters in a banner with a red background at top. A recessed white star is below the top banner. A white "2" with a crossed hook and ladder behind it is at the center. A cut out banner with the black initials "CWW" on a white background is at the bottom of the frontpiece. The initials "CWW" are likely the owner’s initials.
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 by the William H. Wilson Manufacturing Company located at 135 Bowery Street, New York, New York, likely around the mid-19th century. The frontpiece reads “COLUMBIA / HOSE / VIII / TSJ.” The initials “TSJ” are likely the owner’s initials. The Columbia Hose Company No. 8 was founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and was active from 1806 until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established.
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 patent leather frontpiece was made by Cairns & Brother of New York, New York the mid-20th century. The black frontpiece has two recessed banners at the top and bottom. Stitching can be seen surrounding the banners and the rim. The upper recessed banner reads “ENGINE” in white paint; the lower recessed banner has the number “2” in white paint. The raised white leather number “65” is stitched in to the center of the frontpiece.
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 by Cairns & Brother of New York, New York during the late 18th to early 19th century. The red leather frontpiece has two recessed banners at the top and bottom. The banner at the top reads “LADDER” in white paint, with the number “8” in white paint at the bottom. The number “14” is stitched into the center of the piece in raised white leather numbers.
Beginning in the late 17th century, English insurance companies maintained private fire brigades that were paid to respond to fires at properties they insured. Properties were identified by leaden badges (fire marks) bearing a insurance company’s emblem and often stamped with the customer’s policy number.
The Birmingham Fire Office Company of Birmingham, England issued this copper fire mark between 1805 and 1867. The circular mark features a raised image of a fireman alongside a hand pumped fire engine. Underneath the image is raised text that reads “Birmingham.” The company was founded in 1805 and operated until 1867, when it was taken over by the Lancashire Insurance Company.
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 Kentucky and Louisville Mutual Insurance Company of Louisville, Kentucky issued this tinned sheet iron fire mark in 1840. The oval mark has “KY” inscribed in the center.
Beginning in the late 17th century, English insurance companies maintained private fire brigades that were paid to respond to fires at properties they insured. Properties were identified by leaden badges (fire marks) bearing a insurance company’s emblem and often stamped with the customer’s policy number.
The Hand-in-Hand Fire Office of London, England issued this lead fire mark around 1832. The mark consists of two clasped hands shaking underneath a crown. The strip of metal underneath the hands is inscribed with the policy number “103769.” The Hand-in-Hand Fire Office operated from 1696 until 1905, when it was acquired by the Commercial Union.
Beginning in the late 17th century, English insurance companies maintained private fire brigades that were paid to respond to fires at properties they insured. Properties were identified by leaden badges (fire marks) bearing a insurance company’s emblem and often stamped with the customer’s policy number.
The Royal Exchange Assurance of London, England issued this lead fire mark around 1778. The fire mark features an oval upper section that is engraved with an image of the Royal Exchange building in London, but is missing its open crown at the top. There is a section under the oval that is inscribed with the policy number “72968.” The Royal Exchange Assurance was founded in 1720 and operated until 1968 when it was merged with the Guardian Assurance Company to create the Guardian Royal Exchange Assurance.