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Henry Rosenhaupt's Spokane Volunteer Fire Squad Fireman's Hat
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| Accession #: | 920.2 |
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| Title: | Henry Rosenhaupt's Spokane Volunteer Fire Squad Fireman's Hat |
| Object Type: | Helmet, Firefighter's |
| Participants: | |
| Physical Description: | Black painted leather hat with rim completely surrounding the bowl of the helmet which extends down over the neck of the wearer. There is a gold eagle at the top of the hat |
| Description: | Nearly two centuries ago, a volunteer New York City firefighter and luggage maker created this helmet style made of leather, treated to resist burning or breaking. Its ridged crown protects from falling debris; the extended brim sheds water and cinders. Even today, many firefighters prefer these leather helmets. As a Tiger Hook and Ladder Company volunteer, Harry Rosenhaupt wore this painted leather "Improved Ventilated" helmet. His company, stationed on Spokane's Howard Street, operated for five years before the Great Fire of 1889. In 1890 the volunteer system converted to a municipal fire department, pictured here eight years later. This helmet is missing its leather "Tiger Company" badge, called a "front-piece," once held by the metal eagle's beak. |
| Category: | History |
| Subjects/Topics/Concepts: |
Spokane Fire (Event->Disaster), Headwear (Personal Artifact->Clothing), Men (Men)
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| Geographical Reference: | Spokane (Washington->Spokane County) |
| Dimensions: |
Object H x W x D 9 x 11 x 13 1/2"
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| Materials/Techniques: |
leather (Material)
brass (Material)
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| Marks/Inscription: |
Cairns & Bro. 143 Grand St. New York Pat 1882 Improved Ventilated hat
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| Related Exhibits: | |
| Credit Line: | Gift of Mrs. Estelle Rosenhaupt, 1938 |
To order a reproduction, inquire about permissions, or for information about prices see:
https://www.northwestmuseum.org/collections