Details
The plain helmet with a comb chased with fire-breathing dragons, in the front cartouche applied with the letters NVFB, with round link chin-strap suspended from florets; together with a pair of epaulettes in the form of articulated graduated discs; in original oval black painted tin case with an applied brass plaque 'Firmin & Sons, Accoutrement Makers, 153 Strand & 13 Conduit St, London' and with newspaper and photos, fully marked on helmet and on epaulettes
1012 in. (26.5 cm.) high
gross weight 45 oz. 17 dwt. (1,427 gr.)
The initials NVFB are for the Newbury Volunteer Fire Brigade, founded in 1878.
Provenance
Almost certainly presented to Captain Brice Wilson, the first captain of the Newbury Volunteer Fire Brigade, at a dinner held in the Council Chamber of Newbury Town Hall on 6 February 1884, as a token of esteem from his fellow firemen to mark their appreciation of his untiring energy for the welfare of the Brigade.
Anonymous sale; Dreweatt & Neate, Newbury, 3 November 2004, lot 60.
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