4576 RARE SIEBE GORMAN & CO. LTD. 1878 "SMOKE HELMET"

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[?]Live Online Auction Starts In 2025 Nov 02 @ 10:00 (UTC-04:00 : AST/EDT)
Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 1,500.00 USD
Estimated at 3,000.00 - 4,000.00 USD
WITH BELLOWS. Fireman's "Smoke Helmet" mfg. by Siebe Gorman & Co. LTD. circa. 1878. Siebe Gorman was prominent name for diving gear in the 1830s, and was the first company to register the "Smoke Helmet'. The Smoke Helmet was designed for rescue use for firemen, with the operator having fresh air pumped to the helmet via a bellow that was operated by another crew member outside. This example exhibits a brass data plate that reads "EVERYTHING FOR SAFETY EVERYWHERE/ SIEBE GORMAN & CO LTD/ NEPTUNE WORKS/ CHESSING, SURREY/ MANUFACTURERS OF/ MINE & INDUSTRIAL SAFETY APPLIANCES". Brown leather construction, with brass top. The view port is riveted to the mask itself and features 2 hinged aluminum framed mica panels. A rubberized canvas hose protrudes from either side of the helmet from iron fittings and terminate in a single threaded hose nozzle at the rear. Bellow is constructed of iron, wood, and leather. Strips of brass tacks are present on the edges of the wood fittings, as well as along the central edge of the leather bellow section. Wood broom type handle terminates in a brass socket. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: document detailing the history of the Siebe Gorman Smoke Helmet. CONDITION: helmet is good, showing mild exterior wear, as well as scattered marks from handling and storage. Leather remains malleable, with some age related cracking and crazing present on the neck cowl and tassels. Brass parts have acquired a pleasing patina. Mica viewing windows show some small scratches, as well as areas of delamination. Bellow is very good overall, showing some losses to its red painted exterior on the stand plate. These Siebe Gorman & Co. LTD. "Smoke Helmets" are seldom encountered outside of museums and private collections, making for a rare opportunity for one to acquire an intriguing part of 19th century fire fighting history. (02-25147/MLW). $3,000-4,000.