Object Details
- Cairns & Brother
- Description (Brief)
- 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 patent leather frontpiece was made by Cairns & Brother of New York, New York in the mid-20th century. The red frontpiece has two recessed cartouches at the top and bottom of the piece. The cartouches read “LADDER/21” in white paint. The number “13” in white leather stitched into the center of the frontpiece.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Credit Line
- Gift of CIGNA Museum and Art Collection
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.1500
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.1500
- Object Name
- frontpiece, helmet
- Physical Description
- leather (overall material)
- Measurements
- overall: 6 in x 4 1/4 in; 15.24 cm x 10.795 cm
- place made
- United States
- See more items in
- Home and Community Life: Fire Fighting and Law Enforcement
- Clothing & Accessories
- Firefighting Collection
- Work
- Helmet Frontpieces
- National Museum of American History
- Record ID
- nmah_1395392
- GUID (Link to Original Record)
- https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746ad-452d-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa
