The leather fire fighting helmet is an internationally recognised symbol representing the history of fire fighting and in particular the firefighter. The term Leatherhead actually has two meanings. One of which means an old style leather fire fighting helmet worn by fire-fighters and secondly a colloquial slang term for firefighter who wears a leather fire fighting helmet.
Most leather fire fighting helmets were adorned with the statue of an eagle which secured a leather front to the fire fighting helmet, the eagle as become very symbolic over the years. History states that the eagle was actually sculpted as a memorial for a fallen fire fighter in the early 1800’s and its presence is still retained today.
Quite often many of the eagles on the leather fire fighting helmet have become dented and damaged and detached due to becoming caught in wires and other various obstacles. Some fire departments have resorted to the use of more modern composite material helmets but there is still a die hard following of the original leather fire fighting helmet and eagle.
Nowadays antique firefighting equipment is very much in demand by firefighting memorabilia collectors worldwide. One particular item which always draws attention is the antique fire extinguisher.
The earliest types of antique fire extinguisher date back to the early 1700’s. These antique fire extinguishers were of a primitive design consisting of a cask filled with a fire retardant liquid, incorporated in the internal construction of the cask was a gunpowder charge connected by a light-able fuse. The fuse would be lit which ignited the gunpowder which in turn exploded the cask releasing the liquid onto the fire.
The first modern type of antique fire extinguishers were patented in the early 1800’s. They consisted of a mixture of compressed air and potaasium carbonate in a copper cylinder. On operation the compressed air would expel the potassium carbonate at the base of the flames.
A further development of this design was patented in France in 1866, which utilised the the internal mixing of water, sodium bicarbonate and tartaric acid to produce carbon dioxide gas.The carbon dioxide gas was directed at the seat of the fire to extinguish the flames
Firefighting collectibles and antique firefighting equipment are very much sought after items nowadays and there is a large following of avid firefighting antique collectors. The scope of firefighting memorabilia is vast and can take the form of real used items that have been used to fight famous well documented fires to the vintage firefighting equipment.
One of the most popular firefighting collectibles that always attracts great attention is the antique firefighting helmet particularly the Cairns fire helmet and the leather high eagle helmet worn by many a New york firefighter. With careful searching many an excellent example of firefighting helmet can be sought online and in antique shops.
September 11th 2001 will stick in everyones mind forever as one of the worst atrocities to mankind. But it is this kind occurrence that generates a large amount of interest from the public to search out and find firefighting collectibles that associate with this period. Whether it be a need to remember our gallant fallen heroes who fought life and limb to save lifes or just as a rememberence for their outstanding courage in the face of adversity.
Another very popular piece of antique firefighting equipment from the early 1900’s is the antique fire alarm and fire bell, both used as an early warning on a start of a fire and both of these items are in great demand from antique firefighting collectors worldwide.
Quite alot of fire fighting collectibles have deeply sentimental value particularly fire chief badges and of course firefighting posters and firefighting prints. The majority of firefighting collectors have been actively involved in a firefighting career and are now retired and the remaining are completely aware that for sure firefighting collectibles are very much appreciating in value.
Fires in Roman times were frequent and severe. Most of the houses in the towns and cities were very densely packed and were constructed from timber, which caused rapid spread of fire.
The Romans rallied together groups of slaves to form one of the first known fire brigades to protect Rome in 6BC. The firefighting equipment that was utilised was very basic and usually consisted of a manually operated double cylinder force pump used as a fire engine. The pump generated a continuous jet of water, which was directed at the seat of the fire.
Very little progressed in the organisation of firefighting until the end of the 17th century. Fires were both regular and wreaked havoc on communities. Ignition sources were numerous including oil lamps, open fires, cooking stoves and lighted candles.
It was during this period that a number of laws and regulations were passed to protect from fires. One particular law was passed in AD872, which stated that all open fires were to be covered at night when a bell was rung. Many further regulations were enforced, in large houses in the cities a large ladder had to be made available in order to rescue the inhabitants and neighbours in case of a fire. (more…)
The leather fire fighting helmet is an internationally recognised symbol representing the history of fire fighting and in particular the firefighter. The term Leatherhead actually has two meanings. One of which means an old style leather fire fighting helmet worn by fire-fighters and secondly a colloquial slang term for firefighter who wears a leather fire fighting helmet. 
