Orgin of Firefighter Helmet Shape

1. What is the origin of the odd-shaped firefighter hat?
In 1731, Jacobus Turck, the caretaker of the department's fire engines, made a leather stovepipe hat -- similar to the one Abraham Lincoln would famously wear -- for use by firemen. Hats were made of various materials: wool, felt, papier-mâché, and oil cloth, but none of these materials was as effective as leather, and in 1762, all members of the force were required to wear leather hats while on duty. Badges on the front of the hats were used to identify firefighters and help facilitate operations involving multiple companies. In 1824, fireman/saddle maker Matthew DuBois added a metal wire to strengthen the brim. The final, now-familiar design was developed by New York Fire Department Foreman Henry Gratacap, who set up his own helmet factory in 1836. Today the helmets that firefighters wear are typically made out of fiberglass composites, and feature a fold-down plastic eye shield attached to the front brim.
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