Brass helmets were standard issue at the time of the Cross House fire in 1919. They were brought in around 1833 by Sir Massey Shaw of the London Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB). With a short peak and larger neck curtain they gave protection to neck & ears from falling debris.
The comb top section encloses a dragon motif and embellishments retain the chain link chin strap. These helmets became a Victorian symbol of British firemen that was to last until the mid 1930's.
They were later replaced by cork types - not so conductive to electricity, another new fangled invention.
Now quite collectable and far more fetching than later types. Brigades use more modern 'star wars stormtrooper' Galet types.

front back

CONTACT twfire@hotmail.co.uk