Object Details
- Description
- This oval-shaped metal fire badge belonged to a member of the Dover Fire Department. The popularity of Dover as a town name in the Northeast makes it difficult to establish this badge’s provenance, but it likely came from either New York, New Jersey, or Delaware. The badge’s rim is made to look like a riveted fire hose. The top of the fire badge is decorated with a crossed hose nozzle and speaking trumpet behind a fire helmet. An upper banner reads “DOVER” and the lower banner reads “FIRE DEPARTMENT” in raised letters. A raised metal number “9” is in the center of the badge.
- Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes. Badges served as official identification at fire scenes, as access to derelict buildings by unscrupulous citizens could result in looting. Fire badges came in a variety of shapes, most notably circular, shield–shaped, or the Maltese cross. While shield–shaped badges were often worn on the chest, circular and cross-shaped badges can be seen on jacket lapels or soft caps. Badges usually detailed the company’s name, number and department, and were often decorated with various symbols of the profession such as hose carriages, hand–pumped engines, hoses, trumpets, helmets, hooks, and ladders. For paid municipal companies, many badges also featured the badge number of the wearer.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
- maker
- unknown
- date made
- late 19th century
- Credit Line
- Gift of CIGNA Museum and Art Collection
- Physical Description
- metal (overall material)
- Measurements
- overall: 2 1/8 in; 5.3975 cm
- Object Name
- badge, fireman's
