Firemaster Pordage's Ceremonial Helmet

Category

Library Item

Item no

21146

Title

Firemaster Pordage's ceremonial helmet

Description

Firemaster Arthur Pordage's ceremonial Merryweather helmet. The helmet is decorated with dragons, the crest of the City of Edinburgh and the words "Edinburgh Fire Brigade".

Artist / maker

MacLean, Kevin

Date

2010

Type

Digital image

This object is from the collections of the Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage, formerly the Museum of Fire at Lauriston Place.

Arthur Pordage was Firemaster of Edinburgh Fire Brigade from 1896-1927. In 1911 Firemaster Pordage devised a set of signals for firemen to use at emergency situations to avoid the need to shout and ensure that messages were received correctly. The signals were based on Army and Navy semaphore.

Merryweather helmets were used by British fire brigades from Victorian times until well into the 20th Century. The design was based on helmets worn by cuirassiers (cavalry soldiers) of the French Army. The helmets were made of brass or nickel and as they were made out of metal their use stopped as the use of electricity spread.

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Related subjects

Clothing and dress > Accessories > Helmets

People > Adults > Men

People > Health and safety > Fire fighters

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