Early 20th Century French Brass Fireman s Helmet with Original Leather Liner

Leather fireman's parade belt with the word "LIBERTY in white on a red ground, Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, circa 1900 This fireman's parade belt is of the type produced during the latter part of the 19th century, between roughly 1870 and 1900. Made of leather, the body of the belt is black. In the center is a recessed window, with a fancifully scalloped edge, behind which a red leather panel, upon which the word "Liberty" appears in raised, white letters. There is a white binding, it's edge trimmed with pinking shears to create a decorative border. The metal buckle fits into an opposing leather strap, small in scale and riveted beneath the outer one. The words that appear on fireman's parade belts were customized, sometimes displaying the title of the wearer (i.e., "chief" or "clerk"), sometimes the name of the city or town, and sometimes the name of the station, as-is the case in this instance. Attributed to Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania (Columbia County), I acquired it about 25 miles southwest, in adjacent Union County. Bloomsburg's first fire house, Friendship Fire Company, was established in 1868, shortly following the Civil War. Like most volunteer departments of that time, it was staffed by returning Union soldiers who volunteered, enjoying the comradery. Three more would follow, including Rescue Hose & Ladder (1870), Winona (1881), and Liberty Fire Company (1900). In the early 1990's the process was begun to modernize and consolidate all four stations into one. Liberty's fire house still stands on the 100 block of Leonard Street. Probably made in the year the Liberty Fire Company was established, for related parades and festivities, the great thing about this belt is the combination of the wonderful, early, painted surface and the terrific verbiage. While words such as "Clerk," "Bloomsburg," or "Rescue" would have limited appeal, the word "Liberty" opens the playing field to a nation-wide audience. Fire memorabilia...

ABOUT Red wool fireman’s bib shirt marked “B.F.D.” across the chest (Benicia CA Fire Department) and heavy-duty metal buttons stamped with "FD". CREAT...

Elegant wall thermometer dating from the early 20th century, around 1900. Crafted in finely worked brass, it features openwork and engraved decorations with vegetal and geometric mot...

Early 20th century English 4-brass leather horse strap. Shaped leather featuring brasses of a Rampant Horse, Dray Horse, Cat, & "Lorna Doone Farm". 18.5" long, 3 3/8" w. We are a fa...

Early 20th century English 4-brass leather horse strap. Shaped leather featuring brasses of a Heart, "Tally Ho" hunt scene, engraved Stepping Horse, & Stag. 16.75" long, 3.5" w. We ...

Early 20th Century antique Colmont French FT binoculars with leather and brass. Binoculars, also known as field glasses, have a rich history dating back to the early 17th century, be...

Discover the enchanting notes of the past with this Early 20th Century French Wooden Xylophone, a musical treasure wrapped in the charm of yesteryears. Encased in a distinguished bla...

This is a French Model 1910-No.1366 Desk Telephone. It depicts a square wooden tall box with a metal handset connected at the top. A long cord join the handset to the generator in th...

Zhumbar - large brass lamp for festive occasions. India, early 20th century. Central hoop, with a dozen curved arms (with hoops at their end) - six turning upwards and six downwards. Four rods for suspension. Such lamps served the "Bene Israel" congregation that lived mainly in Bombay, Calcutta and other towns in western India. "Oil chandeliers with thirteen arms, known as Zhumbar, were used in the synagogue on festive occasions" Literature: Orpa Slapak (Editor), "The Jews of India - Bene Israel, Cochin...

A Stylized Brass Mezuzah Case, Made in India in the Early 20th Century. From the 19th century through the early 20th century, there was a significant group of Jews that lived in Ind...