Pennsylvania Hose Company Fire Hat

Object Details

associated

Pennsylvania Hose Company

unknown

Description

Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes. During the 19th century, these fire hats became more ornate, as portraits of historical figures, patriotic scenes, allegorical images, or company icons were painted alongside the company’s name, motto, or founding date. Made of pressed felt, these “stove-pipe” hats were primarily used in Philadelphia, but other nearby cities such as Baltimore and Washington adopted them as well. Fire hats were personal items with the owner’s initials often painted on the top of the hat. While these hats were worn at fires, they are more colloquially known as “parade hats.” Fire companies commonly marched in the many parades of the period and these ornate hats contributed to the visual culture of their day. These distinguishing features in a company’s regalia often proclaimed the members’ cultural and political identity as well as their position on contested topics such as work, religion and immigration.

This hat was used in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania during the first half of the 19th century. The hat is painted black overall, with a central painting of the coat of arms of Pennsylvania. Within the central shield are images of a ship, plow, and three sheaves of wheat, representing commerce, labor, and the importance of agriculture respectively. The shield is flanked by two rearing white horses. A spread-wing eagle stands on top of the shield and beneath the shield is a red banner with gold trim bearing the text “VIRTUE LIBERTY INDEPENDENCE” in gold. The back of the hat has the text “PENNSYLVANIA” arching over the owner’s initials “J.L.” in gold paint. The Pennsylvania Fire Company was established in Philadelphia in 1806 and in 1839 withdrew from active service in protest of the rioting amongst the fire companies.

Location

Currently not on view

Credit Line

Gift of CIGNA Museum and Art Collection

1810-1860

ID Number

2005.0233.0077

catalog number

2005.0233.0077

accession number

2005.0233

Object Name

hat, fire

Physical Description

fabric, pressed felt (overall material)

painted (overall production method/technique)

paint (overall material)

Measurements

overall: 7 in x 14 5/8 in x 15 1/2 in; 17.78 cm x 37.1475 cm x 39.37 cm

place made

United States

associated

United States: Pennsylvania

Related Publication

McCosker, M.J.. The Historical Collection of the Insurance Company of North America

See more items in

Home and Community Life: Fire Fighting and Law Enforcement

Clothing & Accessories

Cultures & Communities

Fire Hats

Work

Firefighting Collection

Art

National Museum of American History

subject

Pennsylvania

Fire Fighting

Fraternal Associations

Record ID

nmah_1318704

Metadata Usage (text)

CC0

GUID (Link to Original Record)

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746ac-047d-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa