Bidspirit auction | Cairns & Brother Antique Leather

Cairns & Brother Antique Leather Fire Helmet - This antique leather fire helmet is a product of Cairns & Brother of New York. The helmet is constructed from black painted leather in a traditional high-crown design featuring a reinforced eight-comb shell. It is equipped with a front-mounted leather identification shield with the words FIRE DEPT in relief. A decorative metal shield holder is mounted at the crown, bearing a Maltese cross with the initials FD. The brim of the helmet displays embossed scrollwork decoration along the edges. The interior contains a circular manufacturer's label that reads CAIRNS & BROTHER MFRS OF FIREMEN'S EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES NEW YORK surrounding a central Maltese cross emblem. The interior is fitted with a tan fabric liner. Total length: 14 inches. The helmet exhibits significant signs of age and service wear consistent with use. There is widespread cracking, peeling, and loss to the black finish on the leather shell and brim. The front leather shield shows substantial wear and material loss at the top edge. The interior fabric liner is heavily worn, frayed, and partially detached from the shell. Surface dust is present throughout, and the decorative metal components show oxidation and wear.