Rainbow Fire Company Fire Hat

Victorian Early / Crinoline · 1860s · American

A tall cylindrical leather fire hat with a wide brim, painted in red with yellow and black decorative elements. The front features a circular medallion displaying "1773" and "FIRE" text, surrounded by ornate scrollwork and flame motifs typical of 19th-century volunteer fire company regalia. The crown maintains a rigid structure approximately 6-7 inches in height, with the leather showing signs of age and wear. The painted decoration demonstrates the pride and civic identity of volunteer fire companies during the Victorian era, when such ceremonial headwear distinguished different fire brigades during parades and formal occasions.