Antique American Fireman Firefighter Leather Helmet Daytona Beach Florida DBFD
$1,800.00
Very rare antique 19th century American firefighter's leather helmet from the Daytona Beach, Florida Fire Department (DBFD), 1848 Pattern, made by Cairns & Brother of New York.
The helmet is made from thick, hard black lacquered leather, hand-stitched together, featuring eight prominent combs and decorative embossed scrollwork around its brim.
The pick of the helmet is surmounted by the shaped brass crown.
The long rear brim is affixed with suspension mounts and is painted white on the exterior with "DBFD." On the inner side, it shows the number 233 in yellow.
The interior rim of the helmet's skull is reinforced with a solid brass band. The brass washer that secures the screw of the brass crown on the top of the helmet is stamped with "Cairns & Bro, New York" and painted with "489" in red.
The helmet retained its original beige wool liner.
The Daytona Beach Fire Department was significantly smaller than those in larger American cities such as New York and Chicago. As a result, the 19th-century leather firefighter's Daytona Beach Fire Department helmet is unique and extremely rare compared to other 19th-century leather helmets made by Cairns & Brother in New York City.
We searched all possible sources, including the internet, and did not find any other antique 19th-century leather helmet associated with "DBFD."
The helmet's ridge and shape provide strength and resistance to heat, moisture, and warping, while the sturdy brass crown can aid in breaking windows.
Cairns & Brother of New York, a notable company located in New York City, was founded in the year 1836. Since its establishment, the company has played a significant role in its industry, building a reputation for quality and innovation over the years.
REFERENCES: An identical helmet is in the Smithsonian National Museum's collection.
Please see the link below:
Smithsonian https://www.si.edu/es/object/fire-helmet-engine-5-lfd:nmah_1331108
We will also provide the buyer with photocopies of the pages from the mentioned references together with a certificate of authenticity.
CONDITION: It shows age and use. The leather is very dry and hard as a rock. No cracks, holes, repairs, or restorations. Please see the photos, as they are a part of the description.
DIMENSIONS Approximate:
Overall length: 31.5 cm (12.4 inches).
Width at the base at the widest point: 26 cm (10.24 inches).
Height: 20.5 cm (8.07 inches).
