Fire Hat, "Lowell"

unknown · late 18th to early 19th

Before the advent of the Gratacap hat in the 1830’s, with its familiar rearward projecting brim, fire companies often sported wide-brim leather hats that resembled top hats. This hat says little about company affiliation. Printed in gold letters on the front brim is “Lowell” referring possibly to Lowell, Massachusetts. Early fire hats lacked reinforced wire brims or combs and offered little protection against falling projectiles, and this hat was probably valued more for its water resistance.