The design is based on a parade hat for a fireman from the Hibernia Fire Engine Company No. 1 in Philadelphia, which was organized on February 20, 1752. That hat, pictured, is in the Smithsonian, but not currently on display. (A nearly identical hat sold at Christies on January 19, 2012 for $18,750.)
The shirt: Your choice of fabrics and colors:
- 100% cotton Made in the USA shirt in Army green— Grown, knitted, dyed, and sewn in the USA. 5.4 oz. S - 4X. See size chart. We suggest ordering one size larger than you normally wear because this shirt runs small. If you want a thick t-shirt, get this one.
- Our standard 4.3 oz. poly-cotton shirt in a darker forest green that gets rave reviews for being so soft. It is very high-quality and long-wearing. It's also our thinnest and lightest. Lots of people love them, which you can see in the reviews, but if you judge t-shirt quality based on weight or thickness, do not get this one. Instead, get the 100% cotton shirt above. If you're looking for our softest shirt, the one people rave about, this is the one. S - 3X. See size chart.
- 100% heavyweight cotton in Aged black — Vintage look; no two are exactly alike. Printed in New England on an imported shirt. 5.3 oz. S - 3XL. See size chart.
Note that the $3 price difference for the 100% cotton Made in the USA shirt is our higher wholesale cost; there is no additional margin.
Historical Background
According to the Fireman’s Hall Museum:
"The Hibernia Fire Engine Company No. 1, located at 2nd and Walnut Streets in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was organized on February 20, 1752. With its motto “Assist the needy, protect the weak,” the Hibernia served as a steam fire engine company until March 15, 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid fire department was established. The Hibernia’s firehouse was occupied by the newly formed Engine 22 of the paid department."
The Smithsonian has this explanation of parade hats from the period worn by firemen:
"Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes. During the 19th century, these fire hats became more ornate, as portraits of historical figures, patriotic scenes, allegorical images, or company icons were painted alongside the company’s name, motto, or founding date. Made of pressed felt, these “stove-pipe” hats were primarily used in Philadelphia, but other nearby cities such as Baltimore and Washington adopted them as well. Fire hats were personal items with the owner’s initials often painted on the top of the hat. While these hats were worn at fires, they are more colloquially known as “parade hats.” Fire companies commonly marched in the many parades of the period . . ."
Design © 2023 Larry Stuart Studio.