Helmet Frontpiece, "Jackson 4"
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 white leather frontpiece has a red banner at the top that originally read “JACKSON” but many of the letters are chipped or missing. A cut-out green star is below the banner. A large black number “4” is in the center of the frontpiece, surrounded by three U.S. flags painted on either side. A blue banner is below the number “4” with a white leather number “10” inside. A blank red banner is flanked by painted images of foxes on branches now faded. At the bottom of the frontpiece is a painted image of a spider-type hose carriage now faded. This is likely a presentation frontpiece, which were often elaborately designed and oversized.
label: Location
content: Currently not on view
place: label: place made
content: United States
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: 2005.0233.1450
label: accession number
content: 2005.0233
label: catalog number
content: 2005.0233.1450
objectType: label: Object Name
content: frontpiece, helmet
physicalDescription: label: Physical Description
content: leather (overall materials)
label: Measurements
content: overall: 11 in x 7 in; 27.94 cm x 17.78 cm