Object Details
- Cairns & Brother
- 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 manufactured by Cairns & Brother of New York, New York in the middle of the 19th century. The helmet has eight combs, with an ivy-vine pattern stamped around the helmet’s brim. A metal eagle’s head frontpiece holder is mounted on the crown of the helmet, with a leather frontpiece that reads “GOOD WILL / 20 / STEAM / FE Co” in pale letters. The Good Will Fire Engine Company No. 20, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was founded in 1802 as a hand engine company. It acquired an Isaac P. Morris & Co. steam fire engine in 1859 and operated as the Good Will Steam Fire Engine Company No. 20 until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established. The steam engine was used by the Engine Company No. 17 of the paid city fire department from 1871 until 1888.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Credit Line
- Gift of CIGNA Museum and Art Collection
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0215
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0215
- Object Name
- helmet, fire
- Physical Description
- leather (overall material)
- Measurements
- overall: 8 1/2 in x 14 in; 21.59 cm x 35.56 cm
- place made
- United States: New York, New York City
- See more items in
- Home and Community Life: Fire Fighting and Law Enforcement
- Clothing & Accessories
- Work
- Firefighting Collection
- Fire Helmets
- National Museum of American History
- Record ID
- nmah_1335099
- GUID (Link to Original Record)
- https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746ac-65b7-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa
