Object Details
- 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 has sixty four combs, and is painted white with a metal eagle frontpiece holder mounted on the crown of the hat. The white leather frontpiece has a black monogram of “VFA” in the center of the frontpiece which stands for the Veteran Fire Association. A red banner above the monogram reads “EAGLE” and a red banner below reads “Lynn.” There was an Eagle Veteran Fire Association in Lynn, Massachusetts that operated during the late 19th century.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
- referenced
- Veteran Firemen's Association
- maker
- unknown
- date made
- ca 1840
- Credit Line
- Gift of CIGNA Museum and Art collection
- Physical Description
- leather (overall material)
- white (overall color)
- Measurements
- overall: 14 1/2 in x 10 3/4 in; 36.83 cm x 27.305 cm
- Object Name
- helmet, fire
