Historical information

Helmets protect firefighters from heat, falling objects and cinders. During the 1960s in Australia, helmets evolved from metal construction to that of polymer and other plastics. The manufacturer of this helmet, MSA, was founded in 1914 in the USA. It began as a mine safety company but since expanded into more general worker protection and safety products. The Emerald Fire Brigade was established on 14 March 1941 as the Emerald Bush Brigade. Originally its equipment was stored at Madigan's butcher's shop near the corner of Monbulk Road. The Brigade's first fire station was built around 1945. In 1966, this station was recorded as containing the fire truck and a Land rover pumper, three radio sets, 40 knapsacks, six lengths of hose, helmets, rake hoes and other hand tools. In 2010, the Brigade moved into a new purpose-built building in Monbulk Road.

Significance

This helmet is an historical artifact worn by members of a crucial volunteer fire fighting service operating in the Emerald district since 1941.

Physical description

Yellow, lightweight, hard plastic or polymer helmet with black leather detachable chin strap with Velcro fastening. inside the helmet is an adjustable head harness

Inscriptions & markings

Inside helmet on a partly torn label: 'MSA / VGARD / Type 2 ...? / STANDARDS AUSTRALIA'
Inside the brim black pen writing EMERALD SPARE 5 EMERALD at one end engraved: 'MSA'' and at the other end: '1801-1881
On the outside of the helmet there is a yellow reflector on each side and at the front and the back there is evidence of labels that have been removed.