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 has two metal banners that read “SHIFFLER/S. FIRE Co” arching around a metal number “7” in the center of the piece. The Schiffler Steam Fire Company operated in the late 19th century in Camden, New Jersey.
Competition, fraternal bonds and honorable service were the hallmarks of 19th century fire companies, and ornate trophies served as recognition of these values. Trophies were often presented to veteran officers in appreciation of their service. One fire company might give a commemorative trophy to another as a goodwill offering or in gratitude for their hospitality. Trophies and other awards could also be won in competitions between fire companies to demonstrate their professional skills, or even in sporting contests like baseball.
This coin silver pitcher was made by Peter L. Krider of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1851. The pitcher was presented the same year as a trophy to Robert Tempest, the President of the Hibernia Fire Engine Company. The inscription on the front reads, “Presented to ROBERT TEMPEST, President of the HIBERNIA FIRE ENGINE COMPANY, No. 1, by his fellow-members, as a token of their high regard for him as a Fireman and Presiding Officer, February 20th, 1851.” The back of the trophy is inscribed, “Reward of merit.” Robert Tempest was a successful Philadelphia jeweler with the firm of Marshall and Tempest. He joined Hibernia in 1814, having originally served as a volunteer with the Sun Engine Company.
This silver plated shield-shaped fire badge was used by a member of the New Brunswick (New Jersey) Fire Department. The badge has an upper banner that reads “NEW BRUNSWICK” and a lower banner that reads “FIRE DEPARTMENT.” The center of the badge bears the raised brass number “277.” The paid New Brunswick Fire Department replaced the volunteer companies in 1914, so the badge would have likely been used after that date.
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 of Passaic, New Jersey. Exempt firemen served five years or more in the volunteer company, granting them exemptions from certain other civic responsibilities. These “exempts” often created associations which mainly served as social clubs, although some exempt fire fighters continued to serve as fire departments if needed. This badge likely dates to the late 19th century. The top of the badge is decorated with a crossed trumpet and hose nozzle behind a fire helmet. The banners are inscribed with the text “PASSAIC/EXEMPT/FIRE DEPARTMENT.” A laurel wreath surrounds the word “EXEMPT.” This badge is very similar to object 2005.0233.1345, an exempt badge from Kingston.
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 is a shield-shaped metal fire badge from the Assistance Fire Company No. 8 of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1789, they operated as a hand engine company until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established. The bronze colored badge has a large number “8” at the center with the text “ASSISTANCE” arching above and “FIRE Co.” below. There were many fire companies with the name Assistance operating in the northeast United States.
This leather fire hat was made by an unknown maker during the 19th century. The wide leather brim is flexible, but the crown is made of wood, allowing for some protection. The leather is attached to the wooden crown with a ring of studs, and a five-pointed star pattern made of brass studs on the top of the crown.
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 leather fire helmet was made by Cairns & Brother of New York, New York during the late19th century. The helmet consists of 64 combs and is painted white. There is an ivy vine scroll pattern around the brim and a small metal frontpiece on the rear brim that is engraved. A metal eagle’s head frontpiece holder is mounted on the top of the helmet’s crown. The gold leather frontpiece has a central image of a steam powered fire engine, with the text “CHIEF/ENGINEER/P.F.D.” The helmet belonged to John Stagg of the Paterson, New Jersey fire department. Stagg served as Chief Engineer of the Volunteer Fire Department from 1887 until 1889, and was made chief of the paid Paterson Fire Department in 1891.
This silver-colored metal fire badge has a faceted rim and a stippled background. The top of the badge bears the raised initials “C.F.D.” A bronze-colored raised number “1” is in the center of the badge, with a raised image of a ladder truck below.
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.