The ceremonial stovepipe fire hat debuted in the first quarter of the 19th century. Despite its fragility, this type of hat was worn by the first organized American fire brigades in fighting fires, although its primary use was in parades. Important events taken from American history or patriotic figures were often painted on these hats to encourage a sense of fraternity and identify each company.

It should be noted that though this stovepipe hat is labeled with the year 1760, this is most likely not the year the hat was produced. Instead, helmets were dated with the organization year of the fire company.

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