1840's-60's Firemen

[Mgreer]

Last year I started to put together a 1840's-60's Fireman's impression. I have most of the clothing needed but was wondering if there was anyone who made repro gear or original badges?

[scotty]

Re: 1840's-60's Firemen

Marvin,
Try Galls or other modern badge makers. If you have pictures and measurements they might be able to help you, as they do custom badges as well.

[FranklinGuardsNYSM]

Re: 1840's-60's Firemen

Badges are prohibitively expensive. Most modern stock badge shapes, as produced by the Blackington company, are not comparable to period types. I was in communication with a company in Canada to produce replicas of the 1860 New York City "shield" style, but would have had to send them my original, and wasn't eager to do that. The tooling/casting fee would have been $400, and then a minimum order of 10 badges to start. As badges were very company-specific, you'd be limited in your range of impressions if you found one.

[Mgreer]

Thanks I have found some interesting photos but the one i like the most from a parade impression is the one below


http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://negroartist.com/dags%2520library%2520of%2520congress/thumbnails/Fireman%2520and%2520Bride%25201860%2520Quarter%252 0Plate%2520Tintype_jpg.jpg&imgrefurl=http://negroartist.com/dags%2520library%2520of%2520congress/index.htm&usg=__IOK3tHP2UZ9YpLL9r5Oa9TpEwE4=&h=100&w=77&sz=4&hl=en&start=1&sig2=uzqyFdZ-Nnog3czcNX4XFA&um=1&tbnid=V9AbDx99X0gN6M:&tbnh=82&tbnw=63&ei=myTBSZHXE9XkmQfuqbWdDw&prev=/images%3Fq%3DFireman%2Band%2BBride%2B1860%26hl%3De n%26rlz%3D1T4ADBF_enUS265US266%26sa%3DN%26um%3D1

[Elaine Kessinger]

Re: 1840's-60's Firemen

for those of you drooling over a leather "fireman's hat", you know the ones...the Emmitsburg Antique Mall in Emmitsburg, Maryland has one...and some joker painted 1846 on the back of it..:( ...just letting you know.

[garyjd]

Re: 1840's-60's Firemen

some joker painted 1846 on the back of it..:( ...just letting you know.

I've seen photos of other parade hat and helmets with a year painted on them. Unless it looks modern it just might be period. ~Gary

[Elaine Kessinger]

Re: 1840's-60's Firemen

well...I'm close enough to Emmitsburg to go try and get a picture if any of you would like. They may frown on that, but I'm willing to go try. Firemen's attire is not my "personal geek-out", so I really only noticed enough to say, "wow, that's kinda cool". ...and I'm always happy to pass info on to others for whom it is their personal geek-out.

[Seamus116PVI]

Re: 1840's-60's Firemen

Following is link to website for Phenix Technology in California, maker of some of the best modern fire helmets available.

http://www.phenixfirehelmets.com/

In past, company has made - - on special order - - "authentic" reproductions of 19th century leather helmets and other items such as fire buckets.

The owner, veteran firefighter Ray Russell, is an outstanding source for knowledge concerning AUTHENTIC and ORIGINAL 19th century fire service equipment and items.

You may want to send an email to Ray describing what you want along with request for a price quote for what you are seeking.

Don't waste Ray's time if you are not serious about 19th century firefighting equipment and maybe buying some "authentic reproduction items".

Fred Lynch
Company of Military Historians
Retired Fire Fighter

[NoahBriggs]

Re: 1840's-60's Firemen

Cut Elaine some slack. she merely noticed something interesting and thought some of us might be interested. She's not debating if it's an original. In fact, she's saying she is willing to bring it to you guys to verify. I know her intentions are honest and straightforward, and I doubt she would "waste" your time.

[jasonw]

Re: 1840's-60's Firemen

We started to discuss some of this over here: http://www.authentic-campaigner.com/...hlight=firemen

I have a few original and repro items in my collection. I did manage to find some pretty nice leather fire buckets but they range in price from 150-250 a piece. I may have to drive out to Emitsburg and check out that helmet. I'm usually on the lookout for fire items no matter the vintage. Thanks for the heads up Elaine!

Jason (a Baltimore City FF in my other life!)