Young America Firefighter, circa 1855

THF700415 / Young America Firefighter, circa 1855
01

Artifact Overview

No piece of equipment symbolized a firefighter's dangerous work like the fire helmet. Its hard shell protected from falling debris, and its oversized brim directed water away from the neck. This firefighter proudly wore his helmet for a portrait taken around 1855.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Ambrotype (Photograph)

Date Made

circa 1855

Subject Date

circa 1855

Location

By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center

Object ID

28.696.6

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Wood (Plant Material)
Dyed Papier-Mache
Mat (Cased photograph)
Lining (Material)
Velvet (Fabric weave)

Technique

Ambrotype (Wet collodion process)
Hand coloring

Color

Red

Dimensions

Height: 3.75 in
Width: 3.25 in
Depth: 0.75 in

Young America Firefighter, circa 1855