[FIREFIGHTING]. A fireman's "Protector" belt, ca late 1840s-1860s.

Tarred leather waist belt, 1 3/4 in. width, approx. 32 in. length including plate, with cast gilt brass interlocking tongue and wreath waist belt plate featuring a patriotic spread winged eagle with star in shield (O'Donnell & Campbell, American Military Belt Plates, Plate 329). Stenciled red and gold capital letters on back of belt, "PROTECTOR. 1."

O'Donnell & Campbell date this pattern plate to ca 1845-1860, noting that it was “worn extensively by independent companies, bands and firemen during the 1840s and 1850s” and was particularly prevalent in Massachusetts and greater New England. “Protector. 1” almost certainly identifies a specific fire company. Multiple nineteenth-century sources identify fire companies with the word "Protector" as a portion of the engine company name, including a Kelloggs & Comstock lithograph titled "Protector Engine No. 2," ca 1848-1849, showing four firefighers on a sidewalk, each wearing a shield with the words "Protector / 2" and showing a hand-pumped fire engine also with the word "Protector" engraved on the tank (Connecticut Museum of Culture and History, Object No. 1957.65.30).

An early and well-preserved example of a firefighter's belt.

Belt with wear, creasing, and some minor cracking, but overall leather remains relatively supple given age. Belt plate with oxidation, wear, and light scuffing, but generally good condition. Scratching and some loss to color on stenciled letters, particularly the number "1," but letters remain clearly legible.

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Please email [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

Katie Horstman

VP, Head of Department, American Historical Ephemera and Early Photography

[email protected]513.666.4958

Ms. Horstman has spent over a decade specializing in historic photography and Americana at auction. During her tenure, she has overseen several notable single owner auctions, including property from the inventory of celebrated Americana and antique arms expert Norm Flayderman. During her time with the firm, she has maintained an active membership in the Daguerreian Society. Ms. Horstman holds an MA in Art History from the University of Cincinnati and a BA in Art History from The Ohio State University.

American Historical Ephemera and Photography

[FIREFIGHTING]. A fireman's "Protector" belt, ca late 1840s-1860s.

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