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$2,025 (46 bids, 13 bidders): Steamer No. 1 Foreman Fireman Badge, $2,027 (30 bids, 16 bidders): English Cromwellian Civil War Officer’s
CFD Chicopee, MA, Fire Dept. Mid-1800s. Estate fresh, one-of-a-kind Open Burgonet Helmet & Gauntlets. . Of good, wrought steel with
fireman’s badge. I believe it to be from the 1800s and from Chicopee, black paint interior. Fair condition with age wear and patina, one thumb
Massachusetts. This is what I was told by the family members; I cannot lacking. Leather strap may have been redone in a later era. Likely
confirm or deny that information. I cannot find any badge similar or mid-1600s. Regular adult size. (Photos courtesy of eBay seller consign-
comparable. (Photos courtesy of eBay seller dicheleenterprises.) ments-with-us who is constantly offering many unique and rare items.)

PH: Metal firefighter’s PH: After a reintro-
badges were part of the duction of classical
firefighter’s uniform military values that
since volunteer compa- were used to evoke
nies began in the early the military might
19th century. After and authority of
volunteer companies ancient Greece and
changed over to paid Rome, European
municipal fire depart- armor makers then
ments in the mid–19th introduced a neo-
century, these badges classical helmet in
were mandated. the early 16th
Metal badges served century. It had
as official identifica- many features of its
tion at fire scenes, ancient iterations: a
giving the wearer access hemispherical bowl
to prevent looting. with a short peak to
Fire badges came in defend the face, a
a variety of shapes; collar to protect the
circular, shield-shaped, neck, hinged plates
or Maltese cross, among to protect the sides
others. While shield–shaped badges of the head, ears, and face, and a collar to protect the neck. The helmet is
were generally worn on the chest, known as the burgonet and was used by all levels of the Renaissance
circular and cross-shaped badges military, from the infantry to royalty. It was particularly popular with the
were seen on jacket lapels and soft cavalry until the mid-17th century when it was replaced by the morion and
caps. Badges usually included the cabasset helmets.
fire company’s name, number, and The gauntlets are of the clam-shell variety, and this helmet is
department and were often decorat- open-front without a face or nose guard. The items could be English,
ed with various symbols of the pro- French or Italian. Reproductions of most armor and helmets have been
fession such as hose carriages, hand– made from the 19th century to the present – it is hard to tell from one
pumped engines, hoses, trumpets, photo about the true age.
helmets, hooks, and ladders. Numerous helmets of this type, and others, regularly sell through
Fire badges come to public public auctions. Prices for helmets range from several hundred to
auction regularly. The most thousands of dollars but are generally in the $800-$3,000 range. Armor
expensive I could find reported gauntlets and gloves of various types also sell, but less often and with more
sold in January 2022 at Kraft reproductions evident – generally in the range of $400-$2,500.
Auction Service and realized
$4,900; it was in the shape of a bell for Chicago Fire Department Engine
17, Badge #15 for a Pipeman. A group of five late 19th century badges sold Philip Hawkins, ISA AM, AAG is an accredited member of the
in 2018 for $1,600 at Morphy Auctions. Recently on eBay, an 1860s New International Society of Appraisers and a founding member of the
York badge sold for $660. Age, condition, badge information, and artwork Appraisers Association of Georgia.
all appear to drive interest and prices of particular badges He can be reached via the ISA website or at 404-320-7275.

The Great Exchange

Buying Selling Consigning • Resources
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12 Journal of Antiques and Collectibles