My parents found my great grandfathers fire helmet in storage

[u/found10mm]

He worked for the San Francisco fire department in the early 1900s, thought it was cool enough to share

[u/Big_Virgil]

This is super cool!

My lazy ChatGPT research says…

This is an authentic leather firefighter’s helmet from the late 1800s–early 1900s, most likely made by Cairns & Brother in Philadelphia, the premier helmet maker of the era. The front shield marked “Engine 17” ties it directly to San Francisco’s Engine Company 17, which was active during the 1906 earthquake and fire as well as major blazes throughout the early 20th century. Its tall crown, wide rear brim, and hand-painted shield are classic design features of working helmets of that time, making it not only a collectible but also a piece of San Francisco fire history.