Lithograph by P.S. Duval & Son, Philadelphia, 1857-1858, after a painting by J. Queen
Gift of the Volunteer Firemen's Association of Philadelphia, 1919

Prior to 1788 firemen wore no distinguishing badges or uniforms. A convention held in Philadelphia that year urged firemen to wear hats that bore their name and company for easy identification. In later years hats were painted ornately with the company's name, emblem, motto and often its founding date. Uniforms became more complete - frock coats, painted hats and capes. This style of uniform was worn until the mid-1800s. The painted "stove-pipe" hats, though no longer worn at fires, were used for ceremonial occasions.  These included parades - colorful processions where firemen displayed their equipment, dress and manly carriage.  They were worn, too, at engine competitions where firemen exhibited their technological and and physical prowess.