Fire Hat, "Blue Pointer"

unknown · early 19th century

This hat dates from before 1830 and is a good example of the versatility of designs and materials available to fire hat makers. Unlike the more commonly used leather, this hat is made of straw covered with cloth. Predating the era of combs or metal wiring this hat on a practical level did not offer very much protection against falling debris or water. Unfortunately because the gold design formerly printed on this hat has been lost to time it is impossible to determine which company it belonged to.