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 Robert Morris Hose Company, who served in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from 1837 to 1871. The bell of the trumpet is silver plated and there are three silver bands around the trumpet’s shaft. Two rings are attached to the trumpet’s shaft to allow for a cord to be strung from the trumpet. An inscription on the trumpet reads “Robt. Morris H. Co. 1st line.” Robert Morris was a signer of the Declaration of Independence and a major financier of the Revolutionary War. It was a matter of pride and rivalry amongst the engine companies to be the company that put “first water” on the fire. No doubt the phrase “1st line” is meant to spur the foreman to be the first hose company on the fire scene to attach their hose, also known as a line, to a hydrant and then to an engine, thereby enabling the engine company to put first water on the fire.
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.
In the nineteenth century, volunteer fire companies often commissioned paintings to decorate their hand-pumped fire engines for parades, competitions, and community events. Sometimes framed with elaborate carvings, they adorned the tall air chamber located at the middle or rear of a pumper. The paintings would often feature patriotic, heroic, or allegorical images to associate the volunteer companies with these lofty ideals.
The knight pictured is Saint Florian, who is associated with protection from the destructive forces of fire and water. Florian was a Roman guard under Emperor Diocletian who converted to Christianity. He was drowned when he refused to follow the order to persecute fellow Christians. The painting depicts Florian in his Roman garb putting out a fire with a single bucket of water, a common motif in depictions of the saint.
The traditional American leather firefighter’s helmet with its distinctive long rear brim, front shield, 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 front shield 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 aided in breaking windows.
This leather fire helmet was made by an unknown maker during the early 19th century. The helmet is an interesting amalgamation of styles, featuring the combs from later helmets, but replacing the elongated rear brim with a leather “cape” hanging from the back and sides. The cape serves the same purpose as the long rear brim, preventing water from running down the fireman’s neck. The helmet also has a leather frontispiece, originally painted with three gold and red stars over the gold and red text “NIAGARA/3/PELHAM.”
This shield-shaped metal fire badge belonged to a member of the Kingston Exempt Association of Kingston, New York. Exempt Associations were formed when exempt firemen, who had served five years or more in the volunteer company, created associations after the introduction of paid fire departments. The exempt associations served to foster camaraderie and “continue the fraternal associations” established as volunteer firemen. This badge likely dates to the late 19th or early 20th century, when most volunteer companies were replaced with paid fire departments. The top of the badge is decorated with a crossed trumpet and a hose nozzle behind a fire helmet. The banners are inscribed with the text “KINGSTON/EXEMPT/ASSOCIATION/N.Y.” filled in with black enamel. A laurel wreath surrounds the word “EXEMPT.”
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 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.
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.
This shield-shaped metal fire badge belonged to a member of the Allentown Fire Department of Allentown, Pennsylvania with badge number 632. The silver-plated badge has a stippled background with the raised text “ALLENTOWN/FIRE/DEPARTMENT.” A brass number “632” is in the center of the badge. The Allentown Fire Department was founded in 1870 from a collection of previously existing volunteer companies.
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 fireman’s badge belonged to a member of the Brooklyn Fire Department sometime between 1869, when the paid department replaced the volunteers, and 1898, when the B.F.D. was consolidated into the New York Fire Department. The badge has a rounded cross or cloverleaf design with the initials “B.F.D.” on the left, upper, and right arms, and the number “498” on the bottom arm. The circular center of the cross bears Brooklyn’s seal. The seal features a woman holding a fasces (an axe in a bundle of sticks), a symbol from Roman times suggesting strength through unity. The seal is inscribed with Brooklyn’s motto, “Eendracht maakt macht,” which is Dutch for “unity makes strength.”
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 silver plated fire badge with number 72 belonged to a member of the fire department of Morristown, New Jersey. A riveted fire hose is depicted around the rim of the badge, with two crossed fire trumpets at its bottom. The badge has a stippled background with an upper banner that reads “MORRISTOWN” and a lower banner that reads “FIRE DEP’T.” with a brass number “72” 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 circular metal fire badge belonged to a member of the fire department of Passaic New Jersey during the early 20th century. The badge’s rim is made to look like a riveted fire hose. The top of the fire badge is decorated with a crossed hose nozzle and speaking trumpet behind a fire helmet. An upper banner reads “PASSAIC” and the lower banner reads “FIRE.DEPARTMENT” in raised letters. A raised number “4” in white metal is in the center of the badge. The Passaic Fire Department was first incorporated in 1869, and various volunteer companies operated until 1909, when the paid fire department was instituted. The badge would date to after 1909.
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.