Helmet Frontpiece, “Americus Hose 48”
date: label: date made
content: 19th century
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 was made in the 19th century. The top of the frontpiece has a painted image of Lady Liberty holding an American shield and flag. A red banner at the top has white leather lettering that reads “AMERICUS / HOSE.” A large black number “48” is in the center of the frontpiece. Below, a back banner has raised white leather letters that reads “N.Y. / TO”, below that is two red banners that read “FAIRMOUNT / ENGINE.” This frontpiece was presented by the Americus Hose Company No. 48 of New York, New York to the Fairmount Engine Company No. 32 of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Elaborate frontpieces would be exchanged between companies as mementos of their meeting. Originally organized as a hand engine company, the Fairmount Fire Engine Company No. 32 acquired a steam fire engine in 1860 and operated as a steam fire engine company until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established.
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: 2005.0233.1470
label: accession number
content: 2005.0233
label: catalog number
content: 2005.0233.1470
objectType: label: Object Name
content: frontpiece, helmet
physicalDescription: label: Physical Description
content: leather (overall material)
label: Measurements
content: overall: 12 in x 7 1/4 in; 30.48 cm x 18.415 cm