Vintage Vibes - ONLINE ONLY
Lot 186:
Description
Vintage Leather Firefighter Helmet, manufactured by Cairns & Brother, New York, this 8-rib model features a traditional multi-comb segmented dome design and elongated rear brim intended to keep water and debris off a firefighter’s neck, leather shield reads “RIVER FOREST FD” and “1”, referring to the department in Illinois, the “1” engine crew was responsible for securing water supply and fire suppression, rather than a ladder or rescue company, carved brass piece that holds the top of the shield has a traditional Maltese cross emblem in the center, scrollwork pattern is stamped or tooled directly into the leather of the brim, painted number “130” on rear brim represents the firefighter’s individual badge number, US Patent #1575251 on label confirming the lining design dates to the mid-1920s or later, shield is secured using early rivets, helmet shows significant structural wear, cracking and missing paint finish, shield is broken at the top, given the heavy wear and battle scars, likely saw active duty during the mid-1900s, a vital piece of frontline life-saving history! Helmet measures 24″ circumference, hat size 7 5/8, classified as Extra Large. See photos.
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