Helmet Frontpiece, “Massachusetts 1 CFR”
date: label: date made
content: unknown
name: label: maker
content: unknown
notes: label: Description (Brief)
content: 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.
label: Description (Brief)
content: This black leather frontpiece has an arching banner at the top with raised tan leather lettering that reads “MASSACHUSETTS.” The center of the piece has a large leather number “1,” with a leather hook and ladder crossed behind it. At the bottom is a recessed cartouche with the raised tan leather initials “CFR” inside.
label: Location
content: Currently not on view
setName: label: See more items in
content: Home and Community Life: Fire Fighting and Law Enforcement
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content: Clothing & Accessories
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content: Firefighting Collection
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content: Work
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content: Helmet Frontpieces
creditLine: label: Credit Line
content: Gift of CIGNA Museum and Art Collection
dataSource: label: Data Source
content: National Museum of American History
identifier: label: ID Number
content: 2005.0233.1486
label: accession number
content: 2005.0233
label: catalog number
content: 2005.0233.1486
objectType: label: Object Name
content: frontpiece, helmet
physicalDescription: label: Physical Description
content: leather (overall material)
label: Measurements
content: overall: 8 1/4 in x 4 1/4 in; 20.955 cm x 10.795 cm