Object Details
- unknown
- Description
- This shield-shaped silver-plated metal fire badge belonged to a member of the New Brunswick (New Jersey) Fire Department. The badge has a stippled background with upper and lower banners that read “NEW BRUNSWICK/FIRE DEPARTMENT.” A brass number “8” is in the center of the badge. The paid New Brunswick Fire Department replaced the volunteer companies in 1914, so the badge likely would have 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.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Credit Line
- Gift of CIGNA Museum and Art Collection
- late 19th century
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.1325
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.1325
- Object Name
- badge, fireman's
- Physical Description
- metal (overall material)
- Measurements
- overall: 2 1/8 in x 2 in; 5.3975 cm x 5.08 cm
- place made
- United States
- associated place
- United States: New Jersey
- See more items in
- Home and Community Life: Fire Fighting and Law Enforcement
- Work
- Firefighting Collection
- Fire Badges
- National Museum of American History
- Record ID
- nmah_1381178
- GUID (Link to Original Record)
- https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746ad-27a0-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa
