Object Details
- Description
- This fire hat dates to the middle of the 19th century. The hat is painted red overall, with the front of the hat bearing the text “WESTERN / 1840” in gold. The back of the hat has the large initials “WEC” painted in gold. The owner’s initials “D.S.” are painted in gold on the crown of the hat. The Western Fire Engine Company No. 37 was founded on April 7th, 1840 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on the corner of 8th Street and Callowhill Street. The Western operated as a hand engine company and acquired a steam fire engine in 1865. It served as a steam fire engine company until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
- maker
- unknown
- date made
- 1840s
- Credit Line
- Gift of CIGNA Museum and Art Collection
- Physical Description
- fabric, pressed felt (overall material)
- paint (overall material)
- painted (overall production method/technique)
- Measurements
- overall: 7 in x 14 in x 12 1/4 in; 17.78 cm x 35.56 cm x 31.115 cm
- Object Name
- hat, fire
