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Your search found 233 records from all Smithsonian Institution collections.
Page 5 of 12
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- Description
- In the early 1800s, classical images associated with Greece and Rome became popular in America. In art and architecture, Americans sought to link their young nation to these republics of antiquity. The Roman goddess Libertas, representing personal sovereignty, was changed into Lady Liberty and adopted as an American symbol. The Citizen Fire Company chose Liberty as their emblem at its founding in 1836. Depicted on this parade hat, the female figure holds an American shield in one hand representing strength and protection. The red liberty cap atop a pole in Liberty's other hand was an internationally known symbol of the American Revolution that was also adopted from the Roman Empire.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Date made
- c.1840-1860
- associated
- Citizen Fire Company #3
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0027
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0027
- accession number
- 2005.0233
-
- Description
- Description: Fire wardens in the World Trade Center were issued special hats to make them easily identified in an emergency.
- Context: Fire and emergency training is especially important in a high-rise building. As part of his job, Michael Hurley, World Trade Center Fire Director, distributed hats, whistles, and flashlights to all the building floor wardens and was responsible for developing and implementing emergency training procedures.
- On September 11, Hurley considered staying home to walk his son to the first day of kindergarten, but his wife thought it might make the boy even more nervous. Instead, Hurley went to work, and he soon had to deal with the disaster of a lifetime. As the liaison to the fire department, he worked side by side with the chief in the Fire Command Center in the lobby of the north tower, providing information on stairway configurations, evacuations, and firefighting resources.
- As the situation worsened, Hurley was directed to seek a new site for the command center. He was in this location, away from the north tower when it collapsed.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- maker
- San Sun
- ID Number
- 2004.0109.01
- accession number
- 2004.0109
- catalog number
- 2004.0109.01
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- Description
- Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes. During the 19th century, these fire hats became more ornate, as portraits of historical figures, patriotic scenes, allegorical images, or company icons were painted alongside the company’s name, motto, or founding date. Made of pressed felt, these “stove-pipe” hats were primarily used in Philadelphia, but other nearby cities such as Baltimore and Washington adopted them as well. Fire hats were personal items with the owner’s initials often painted on the top of the hat. While these hats were worn at fires, they are more colloquially known as “parade hats.” Fire companies commonly marched in the many parades of the period and these ornate hats contributed to the visual culture of their day. These distinguishing features in a company’s regalia often proclaimed the members’ cultural and political identity as well as their position on contested topics such as work, religion and immigration.
- This fire hat was made by George G. Stambach of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania during the middle of the 19th century. The hat is painted black overall, with the text “NORTHERN / No. 1 / LIBERTY” painted in gold on the front of the hat. The back of the hat features a faded painted image of wooden fire hydrant in gold flanked by the initials “FA". This was the logo of the Fire Association of Philadelphia, an insurance company founded by a group of eleven volunteer engine companies and five volunteer hose companies in 1817. The crown of the hat bears the date “1756” in gold paint. The Northern Liberty Fire Company was founded on May 1, 1756, in the Northern Liberties neighborhood of Philadelphia. At the time, the Northern Liberties were a separate municipality, and this fire company was the first of its kind for that area. The hat’s maker, George Stambach, was a resident of the Northern Liberties as well. The Northern Liberty operated as a hand engine company and acquired steam fire engines in 1859 and 1864. It served as a steam fire engine company until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1840-1860
- associated
- Northern Liberty No. 1
- maker
- Stambach, George Geist
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0106
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0106
- accession number
- 2005.0233
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- Description
- Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes. During the 19th century, these fire hats became more ornate, as portraits of historical figures, patriotic scenes, allegorical images, or company icons were painted alongside the company’s name, motto, or founding date. Made of pressed felt, these “stove-pipe” hats were primarily used in Philadelphia, but other nearby cities such as Baltimore and Washington adopted them as well. Fire hats were personal items with the owner’s initials often painted on the top of the hat. While these hats were worn at fires, they are more colloquially known as “parade hats.” Fire companies commonly marched in the many parades of the period and these ornate hats contributed to the visual culture of their day. These distinguishing features in a company’s regalia often proclaimed the members’ cultural and political identity as well as their position on contested topics such as work, religion and immigration.
- This hat dates to the first half of the 19th century from Allegheny, Pennsylvania. The hat has been painted red, and bears the text “ALLEGHENY” in gold above a United States shield. The date “1802” is painted in gold on the back of the hat, and the crown of the hat has a star shaped designed with the letter “A” in the center. The Allegheny Fire Company of Allegheny, Pennsylvania was founded in 1802 and operated until 1870, when it was absorbed by the municipal fire department.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- in use
- 1802-1870
- company which the hat's owner belonged to
- Allegheny Engine Co.
- owner
- Neel, Harry
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0026
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0026
- accession number
- 2005.0233
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- Description
- Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes. During the 19th century, these fire hats became more ornate, as portraits of historical figures, patriotic scenes, allegorical images, or company icons were painted alongside the company’s name, motto, or founding date. Made of pressed felt, these “stove-pipe” hats were primarily used in Philadelphia, but other nearby cities such as Baltimore and Washington adopted them as well. Fire hats were personal items with the owner’s initials often painted on the top of the hat. While these hats were worn at fires, they are more colloquially known as “parade hats.” Fire companies commonly marched in the many parades of the period and these ornate hats contributed to the visual culture of their day. These distinguishing features in a company’s regalia often proclaimed the members’ cultural and political identity as well as their position on contested topics such as work, religion and immigration.
- This hat was used in the eastern United States during the first half of the 19th century. The hat is painted dark brown overall, with an image of a spread-winged eagle grasping an anchor in its claws. A banner arches over the eagle’s head that reads “Columbia.” The company’s initials “CEC” (Columbia Engine Company) are painted in gold calligraphic script on the back of the hat. The crown of the hat features the owner’s initials “S.H.R.” painted in gold inside a gold shield. The bald eagle was adopted by the Continental Congress as the national symbol of the United States in 1782. As a patriotic symbol of liberty and freedom, the eagle was a frequently used icon among early American volunteer fire departments. The anchor in the eagle’s claw represents hope and safety.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1810-1860
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0029
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0029
- accession number
- 2005.0233
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- Description
- Before they became established as decorative assets of parades and celebrations, early, "stovepipe-style" fire hats were used in actual firefighting. They served to protect firefighters' heads from falling debris and, by the later years of the eighteenth century, at least, to identify firefighters by company and name. This simple tin, "stovepipe-style" fire hat from the 1830s may have been displayed in parades but was primarily used as a work hat in actual fires. Since this particular hat does not include company information, it was likely worn to protect rather than identify the firefighter. This plain hat comes with a sweatband and is painted red with a black brim, bearing the initials "G.L.B."
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Date made
- 1835
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0159
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0159
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- Description (Brief)
- 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.
- date made
- 19th century
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0232
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0232
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- ID Number
- CL.334027.02
- accession number
- 309865
- catalog number
- 334027.2
-
- Description
- This early leather work hat with its low, dome-shaped crown, narrow brim, and lack of a company shield and shield holder, is vaguely reminiscent of eighteenth- and early-nineteenth-century “stovepipe-style” fire hats. Yet it also includes more modern features like combs and a curved, extended rear brim. Indicative of its hybrid, early-to-modern construction, this hat could date to as early as 1812 or as late as 1860. A large label printed inside the crown indicates that the hat belonged to the “Excelsior” Company, possibly of New York.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1860
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0175
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0175
-
- Description
- 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 hat was made by Cairns & Brother of New York, New York around 1849. The helmet is painted black with eight combs and decorative embossed scrollwork around the helmet’s brim. The helmet’s frontpiece is painted black and originally read “ENGINE/5/LFD,” but some letters are missing. The helmet once had a metal frontpiece holder at the front, which is now missing.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1849
- producer
- Cairns & Brother
- maker
- Cairns & Brother
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0152
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0152
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- Description
- This high-crowned, leather work helmet dates from around 1790 to 1810 and lacks the thicker, elongated brims and detachable shields of later-nineteenth-century work hats. The text “Hook & Ladder No. 15” is painted in black directly on the hat’s front. This hat is one of the earlier examples in the firefighting collection, and its four combs distinguish it from simpler eighteenth-century “stove-top” style hats which were made from a single piece of leather.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Date made
- 1800 or earlier
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0163
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0163
-
- Description (Brief)
- 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 in the 19th century for the American Hose Company Number 2. The black helmet is comprised of eight combs with a metal eagle frontpiece holder on the crown and an embossed rosette decoration around the brim. The leather frontpiece is wired to the hat, and reads “AMERICA/HOSE/2/ECK.” The initials “ECK” likely identified the owner of the helmet.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 19th century
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0133
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0133
-
- Description
- 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 around 1870. The helmet has eight combs, and is painted dark blue overall. An ivy-vine design is stamped around the brim of the hat. The frontpiece holder is a small metal figuring depicting a fireman shouting into his speaking trumpet.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1870
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0221
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0221
-
- Description
- 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 early-style leather helmet dates to approximately 1838. A marking on the interior identifies that it likely belonged to a “Cataract Hose 1” Company of the “M.F.D” fire department. The leather helmet has four combs. While many later helmets had a metal eagle frontpiece holder, this helmet has an eagle made of leather which is part of the front comb.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1838
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0141
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0141
-
- Description
- 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 helmet is painted white and has a metal eagle frontpiece holder mounted on the crown. The helmet has eight combs, and there is a label on the inside that reads “F. Moran, size 7 ¼.” The leather frontpiece has been painted red and originally read “COLUMBIA/5/FD,” but some of the letters are now missing.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- c.1840
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0146
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0146
-
- Description
- 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 helmet is painted white and has a metal eagle frontpiece holder mounted on the crown. The helmet has eight combs, and there is a label on the inside that reads “P.H. Murray.” The leather frontpiece has been painted red and originally read “COLUMBIA/5/FD,” but some of the letters are now missing.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1900
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0147
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0147
-
- Description
- 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 an unknown manufacturer during the 19th century. The helmet has eight protective combs, with an ivy-vine scrollwork pattern stamped around the brim. A metal eagle’s head serves as a frontpiece holder. The leather frontpiece has lost some of its letters, but it originally read “JEFFERSON/6/PJ.”
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 19th century
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0227
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0227
-
- Description
- 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 white leather fire helmet dates to the second half of the 19th century. The eight comb helmet has a metal eagle frontpiece holder attached to the top of the crown. The white frontpiece has a red star and red banners that read “2nd ASSISTANT/ENGINEER/C.C.F.D.” in white leather letters.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1865
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0189
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0189
-
- Description
- 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 has eight combs and is painted black, with a metal eagle’s head frontpiece holder mounted onto the helmet’s crown. The black leather frontpiece reads “Gen. Grant/1/HFD.” The frontpiece could possibly refer to General Ulysses S. Grant, who would have been a national hero at this time.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1860-1870
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0201
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0201
-
- Description
- This leather fire helmet was made by Cairns & Brother of New York, New York during the late 19th to early 20th century. This helmet resembles a pith helmet, deviating from the style of the standard fire helmets with elongated rear brim, frontpiece, and metal frontpiece holder. The helmet is painted white with a braided rope across the visor attached to buttons on both sides of the helmet that bear the initials “FD.” The helmet’s elaborate metal frontpiece bears the Roman numerals “VI,” two hexagonal fire hydrants with hoses, an axe, pole lantern, hook, and ladder. According to labels and marks inside the hat, the hat belonged to “Isaiah Case Hook & Ladder Company No. 6,” which was founded in Newark, New Jersey, in 1865.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1898-1911
- producer
- Cairns & Brother
- maker
- Cairns & Brother
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0162
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0162
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