Helmet Frontpiece, "Humane 13"
date: label: date made
content: 1861-1865
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 frontpiece was worn by a member of the Humane Fire Engine Company No. 13, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Organized in 1794, it was a hand engine company until it acquired a steam fire engine in 1863, which was replaced in 1865. The company was active until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established. This leather frontpiece was made between 1861 and 1865. The frontpiece is painted black with gold stitching around the perimeter. A gold star is at the top of the frontpiece, which reads “HUMANE/13/CHW” in gold lettering.
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: 2005.0233.1435
label: accession number
content: 2005.0233
label: catalog number
content: 2005.0233.1435
objectType: label: Object Name
content: frontpiece, helmet
physicalDescription: label: Physical Description
content: leather (overall material)
label: Measurements
content: overall: 7 1/2 in x 6 1/4 in; 19.05 cm x 15.875 cm