This shield-shaped metal fire badge belonged to a member of the fire department of Binghamton, New York. At the top of the badge are crossed trumpets behind a fire helmet. “Binghamton" is inscribed in a banner at top of the badge with "FIRE" inscribed below. "DEPARTMENT" is inscribed in the banner at the bottom of the badge below the silver number "191."
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 Nay–Aug Fire Department Hose Company of Scranton, Pennsylvania. The badge is decorated with two crossed trumpets at its top, an image of a hose carriage in the center, and a crossed ladder and hooks behind a helmet frontpiece at the bottom of the badge. The upper banner reads “NAY AUG” and the lower banner reads “HOSE.”
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 has a scrolled flame border, a hook and ladder truck in the center, and two crossed trumpets behind a fire helmet at the top of the badge. A raised banner above the hook and ladder truck bears the inscription "EATON” with the inscription "COMPANY" below. The badge possibly belonged to a member of the Borough of Eatontown, New Jersey’s hook and ladder company.
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 fire department of Ramsey, New Jersey. At the top of the badge are crossed trumpets behind a fire helmet. “RAMSEY" is inscribed in a banner at top of the badge with "FIRE" inscribed below. "DEPARTMENT" is inscribed in the banner at the bottom of the badge below the number "1."
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 fire department in Jersey City, New Jersey in the early 20th century. The shield–shaped badge bears a central embellishment of a ladder, axe, hose, hook, trumpet and hat with a scroll that reads “Jersey City” above and “F.D.” below. The badge number “30” is made of raised brass 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 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.
This metal fire badge is encircled by a hose and is topped by crossed speaking trumpets and a helmet. An upper banner reads “Passaic” while a lower banner reads “Fire Department.” The number “169” is in the center of the badge. The design of this badge was a popular choice among fire companies at the time. 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.
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 shield-shaped metal fire badge belonged to an exempt member of the fire department from Elizabeth, New Jersey. The badge is decorated with a central image of a fire helmet, with a lantern, trumpet, and axe arrayed behind it. At the top of the badge is a circular plaque with number “214” inside it. An upper banner reads “ELIZABETH” with the initials “F.D.” below. The lower banner reads “EXEMPT.” Exempt firemen were firemen who had served a set number of years in the volunteer department and were now excluded from jury duty or militia service. Later, exempt firemen created their own social associations to foster camaraderie and “continue the fraternal associations” established as volunteer firemen.
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 Volunteer Firemens Association of New York City. The badge has a central decoration of a fire helmet with trumpet, hook, ladder, lamp, and axe arrayed in a circular pattern behind it. A spread-winged eagle is at the top of the shield, and a plaque at the bottom is inscribed with the number “500.” The Volunteer Firemens Association of New York City was founded on December 22, 1883. The Association welcomed all volunteer firemen who left their companies in good standing as members and provided a social space for them to meet as well as a burial fund to pay for their internment after passing. Other associations for volunteer firefighters—including the Exempt Firemens Association of New York—required five years of service in a volunteer company before joining.
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 metal badge was used by a member of the Brooklyn Fire Department, Eastern District between 1855 and 1869 in Brooklyn, New York. Brooklyn and New York City were separate municipalities until 1898. The Brooklyn Eastern District Fire Department was organized when the city of Williamsburg was consolidated into Brooklyn, and was separate from the Brooklyn Western District Fire Department until the institution of the paid department in 1870. The oval badge’s rim is encircled by a hose and is topped by a crossed speaking trumpets and a fire nozzle. The badge reads “BROOKLYN E.D./FIRE DEPARTMENT” on upper and lower banners with the brass badge number “1441” raised 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.
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 circular metal badge belonged to a member of the fire department of Plainfield, New Jersey. The badge’s rim is decorated with an encircled hose. The ridged background of the badge holds a raised inscription that reads “PLAINFIELD/24/FIRE DEPT.”
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 badge reads "WORCESTER FIRE DEPARTMENT" in block lettering around the rim with the number "55" in a banner at the bottom of the badge. The center of the badge reads "ASST. FOREMAN HOSE" around the number "2"—all in blue enamel.
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 rounded metal fire badge that would have been worn on the collar or on a soft cap. The badge has a stippled back surface with a hat at top and shield with two hoses at the bottom. The badge bears the inscription "NEW LONDON / FIRE DEPT." in banners at top and bottom, with the number"219" in the middle. This New London Fire Department badge likely came from New London, Connecticut.
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 has raised text that reads “HOSE/W.F.D.” A star sits at the top of the shield, and a raised emblem in the center of the shield bears the number “6” filled in with black enamel. This badge would have been worn by a member of a hose company.
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 shield-shaped metal badge bears the raised number “601” and an elaborate monogram of the letters “TFD.” The badge has a pin backing. The badge belonged to a member of the Troy (NY) Fire Department. The Stanton Company was established in January 1872 and received its first steam engine the next year. The “TFD” monogram is also seen on object 2005.0233.1347.
This shield-shaped metal fire badge was used by a member of the fire department of Edgewater, Staten Island, New York. The badge reads “EDGEWATER/FIRE DEPT” in recessed letters filled in with black enamel. The number “156” is at the bottom of the badge. The overlapping letters “EFD” are stamped out of the center of the badge. The Edgewater Fire Department operated on Staten Island from 1856 until 1937.
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 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.