Helmet Frontpiece, “Veteran Philadelphia”
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 dates to the late 19th century. Two brown banners are at the top and bottom of the piece. The banner has white leather lettering that reads “VETERAN/PHILADELPHIA.” A transfer painted image of a Philadelphia-style end stroke hand pumped fire engine is at the center of the frontpiece. This piece was likely used by a member of the Veteran Firemen’s Association of Philadelphia, an association created in 1887 to maintain the camaraderie of the volunteer fire department after members had retired, or after the introduction of paid companies put an end to the volunteer system.
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
label: See more items in
content: Clothing & Accessories
label: See more items in
content: Firefighting Collection
label: See more items in
content: Work
label: See more items in
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: 2005.0233.1493
label: accession number
content: 2005.0233
label: catalog number
content: 2005.0233.1493
objectType: label: Object Name
content: frontpiece, helmet
physicalDescription: label: Physical Description
content: leather (overall material)
label: Measurements
content: overall: 8 in x 6 1/2 in; 20.32 cm x 16.51 cm