Leather Firefighter's Helmet

Datec. 1920 - 1940

Dimensions13 x 10 1/2 x 9 1/2 "

Credit LineTransferred from the collection of Fanshawe Pioneer Village, London, Ontario, 2004.

Object number2004.021.007

Label TextLeather has been a common material for fire helmets since the 19th-century. American luggage maker Henry T. Gratacap is credited with designing this style of helmet, with its elongated rear brim and metal ornament on the crown. It was designed to keep water from running down firefighter's backs and the moulded shape helped deflect debris. The fronts of these helmets are usually customized with city and fire company names. In addition, it became a tradition for some Canadian fire helmets to have a beaver-shaped ornament, in comparison to the American eagle.

NameHelmet, Firefighter's