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Your search found 87 records from all Smithsonian Institution collections.
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- Description (Brief)
- 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 soiled or sooty leather frontpiece was made during the 19th century. The frontpiece reads “FRIENDSHIP/1/FIRE CO/EU” in metal embedded into the leather. The metal lettering is unusual for frontpieces, and may point to it being used in parades or special occasions rather than everyday use.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 19th century
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.1473
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.1473
-
- Description (Brief)
- 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.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- unknown
- maker
- Cairns & Brother
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.1507
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.1507
-
- Description (Brief)
- 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 has two red banners at its top with raised white leather letting that reads “FRANKLIN/HOSE.” A large recessed white number “3” is in the center of the frontpiece, with white leather lettering below that originally read “BOSTON,” but some of the letters are now missing.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.1468
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.1348
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- Description (Brief)
- 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 in the 19th century. The frontpiece has three red banners with raised white lettering that reads “LAFAYETTE/STEAMER/JTV” and a large white number “14” in the center of the frontpiece. The letters “JTV” likely referred to the owner’s initials.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 19th century
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.1448
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.1448
-
- Description (Brief)
- 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 in the 19th century. The frontpiece likely was once white but is now cracked and light brown in color. The frontpiece has a dark brown banner at the top and bottom with light brown raised leather lettering that reads “PHOENIX/ENGINE.” A dark brown recessed number “8” is in the center of the frontpiece.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 19th century
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.1477
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.1477
-
- Description (Brief)
- 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 in the 19th century. The frontpiece has two dark brown banners at the top with raised brown leather lettering that reads “RED JACKET/HOSE” but the “C” is missing. A large recessed white number “1” is in the center of the frontpiece, and there is a cartouche at the bottom with a raised white leather letter “H.” Two other initials originally preceded the “H” but are now missing. The Red Jacket Hose Company took its name from the red jackets its members wore during service, which was a popular style employed by companies in Boston, Philadelphia, Illinois, and Iowa.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 19th century
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.1479
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.1479
-
- Description (Brief)
- 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 has white lettering on black banners that reads "SECRETARY/CHARLESTOWN/VETERAN.” A recessed red star is between "SECRETARY" and "CHARLESTOWN.”
- Location
- Currently not on view
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.1426
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.1426
-
- Description (Brief)
- 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 in the 19th century. The brown frontpiece has raised brown leather lettering that originally read “HUMANE/HOSE/20/JAB” but some of the letters are now missing. The frontpiece has decorative stitching around the rim, as well as outlining the initials on the bottom of the piece. The Humane Hose Company No. 20 operated in New York City during the middle of the 19th century.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 19th century
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.1476
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.1476
-
- Description (Brief)
- 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 in the late 19th century. The frontpiece is green overall, with a gold lettering that reads “DANIEL WEBSTER/4”. Daniel Webster was the name of a company located in Cambridge, Massachusetts that began operation in 1871.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.1453
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.1453
-
- Description (Brief)
- 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. The top of the frontpiece has white lettering on a red banner that reads "CONTINENTAL/HOSE.” A large white "6" is in the middle with "E" and "D" flanking the number in circles with red backgrounds. The letters "GTA" are in white lettering on a red banner at the bottom of the frontpiece. The letters “GTA” are likely the owner’s initials.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.1429
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.1429
-
- Description (Brief)
- 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. The frontpiece is made of white leather with red banners and raised white leather lettering that reads “3rd ASSt/ENGINEER/NORTH ADAMS/FIRE DISTRICT.” There is an empty cartouche with red background on the bottom of the frontpiece. The frontpiece likely belonged to a company from North Adams, Massachusetts.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 19th century
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.1463
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.1463
-
- Description (Brief)
- 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 during the 19th century. The brown leather frontpiece has an upper banner with raised white leather lettering that reads “FRANKLIN.” The large recessed white leather Roman numeral “VII” is in the center of the piece. At the bottom of the frontpiece is a cartouche with a blue background that has the raised white leather initials “EDL” inside.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- unknown
- maker
- Gratacap, Henry T.
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.1481
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.1481
-
- Description (Brief)
- 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. The frontpiece has two banners at the top with raised tan leather letters that reads “WASHINGTON/HOSE.” The text is flanked by stars and there is decorative stitching throughout. A large recessed tan number “3” is at the center of the piece. At the bottom, a tan recessed cartouche has the raised dark brown leather initials “PJD” inside.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- unknown
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.1484
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.1484
-
- Description (Brief)
- 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 tan leather frontpiece has two recessed red banners at the top that reads “AMER[I]CA/HOSE” in tan leather letters. In the center of the frontpiece is a recessed number “2” that is painted black. A recessed cartouche with a red background is at the bottom of the frontpiece, which likely held initials that are now missing.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.1874
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.1874
-
- Description (Brief)
- 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.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.1427
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.1427
-
- Description (Brief)
- 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 manufactured by Cairns & Brother of New York, New York around 1895. The black leather frontpiece has white lettering on a red background that reads “ENTERPRISE/HOSE/1.” There is a red banner at the bottom of the frontpiece with missing letters.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1895
- maker
- Cairns & Brother
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.1431
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.1431
-
- Description (Brief)
- 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 shield has three dark brown banners with raised tan leather letters that read “ENGINEER/WINCHESTER/CTS.”
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- unknown
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.1482
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.1482
-
- Description (Brief)
- 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 has red banners with raised white leather letters that reads “JT HALLAHAN/KINGSTON/JO.”A large recessed black number “5” is in the center of the piece.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.1467
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.1467
-
- Description (Brief)
- 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.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1885
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.1424
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.1424
-
- Description (Brief)
- 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 in the 19th century. The white leather frontpiece has decorative etching radiating from a black star in the center of the piece. Two red banners have raised white leather lettering that reads “ENGINEER/CHARLESTOWN.” A black cartouche at the bottom of the piece has the raised white leather initials “WFD” inside.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 19th century
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.1480
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.1480
