SUPERB! 1890'S CAIRNS AND BROS. FIREMAN HELMET W/BRASS EAGLE HOLDING LRGE SHIELD

Description

OUTSTANDING BLACK LEATHER FIRE HELMET MADE BY CAIRNS AND BROTHERS OF NEW YORK
(SEE THE INTERIOR DISC IDENTIFYING THEIR COMPANY AND STATING IT IS
A "ventilated hat" ALSO HAS THEIR NAME STAMPED AT THE
BASE OF THE BRASS EAGLE HOLDING THE SHIELD IN ITS BEAK.).
The helmet consists of eight stitched panels and a wide brim to direct water
and debris away from the fireman.
Although the shield is not inscribed with a company number,
as some are, it is a helmet which bears signs of fire combat. On close
inspection the leather surface has been scuffed in places and been touched up
with black paint--quite possibly by its original owner.
(A bit of the re-touching paint appears to have gotten onto the top brass fitting,
and you will see that in the last photo.)
NOTE: There is some solder used at the base of the eagle apparently to strengthen
its attachment. I cannot be sure when the inpainting or the solder was used. I believe the
fireman himself likely did it. But no guarantees its not
more recent.
The eagle, although hollow, has survived quite well. There is a slight seam
opening on its back, and there is some minor dentinig of its beak. To my eye, not distracting.
The brass fittings are all original and the interior lining is almost completely in tact (exceptional!).
Not all fire helmets had repousse leather designs on their brims (see also small decorative details, the diamond lozenges impressed near the panel tops) nor, certainly finely
rendered patriotic eagles. Cairns and Bros. produced these as one of their more expensive helmets.
Size: 14 inches long by 11 inches high (to top of eagle).
RETURNS ONLY IF THERE IS A SERIOUS ERROR IN DESCRIPTION!