Object Details
- manufacturer
- Wilson, William H.
- 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 William H. Wilson of New York, New York in the mid-to-late 19th century. The leather helmet has four combs and is painted black, with ivy-vine scrollwork around the hat’s brim. A metal lion frontpiece holder is mounted onto the crown of the helmet that holds a white leather frontpiece. The frontpiece originally read “MECHANIC / 37” but some of the letters are missing from the upper banner, and the initials are completely absent from the lower banner. Organized in 1839 the Mechanic Fire Engine Company No. 37 operated as a hand engine company until it acquired a steam fire engine in 1859. It operated as a steam fire engine company until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established (Note: See companion piece 2005.0233.0116). The number on the parade hat is 26 instead of 37.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Credit Line
- Gift of CIGNA Museum and Art collection
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0170
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0170
- Object Name
- work hat
- helmet, fire
- Physical Description
- leather (overall material)
- black (overall color)
- Measurements
- overall: 8 in x 9 in x 11 in; 20.32 cm x 22.86 cm x 27.94 cm
- 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
- Subject
- Fire Fighting
- Costume
- Record ID
- nmah_1332416
- GUID (Link to Original Record)
- https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746ac-82d8-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa
