Name/Title
Narragansett Fire Co. No. 3 UniformEntry/Object ID
1997.11.06.06Description
Warren R.I. Fireman's Uniform. A red wool firefighter shirt from Company Number 3 in Narragansett, Rhode Island. The shirt is constructed from eight pieces: a front, a front placket, a collar, two arms, two cuffs, and a back. The seams connecting the parts are top-stitched for reinforcement. The shirt has 12 white fabric-covered buttons: one on each cuff, seven securing the placket, and three from the collar along the midline. The buttoned placket at the front opens so that the wearer can put it on over the head. The collar, placket, and cuffs are trimmed with off-white material.
Early firefighting uniforms were often made of wool because the proteins in the fiber resist burning.Use
Worn by James CallamoreLocation
Location
Cabinet
Display case 8Room
Charles Whipple Greene Historical CollectionBuilding
George Hail Free LibraryDate
July 7, 2025Condition
Overall Condition
PoorNotes
Overall, poor condition. The uniform has multiple areas of insect damage, tears along the front through to the back with some evidence of darning, and extensive staining on the sleeves and back. The wool fibers are desiccated and brittle; caution should be taken when handling in order not to increase tear dimensions. This item is currently on display on a hanger with minimal padding at the shoulders, causing stress and strain in this area.Recommendations
Due to the extensive insect damage, it is highly recommended that this item be frozen. All areas of loss and tears should be stabilized. Curatorial usage will determine if an attempt should be made at reduction of the stains. If the item is kept on display, it should be mounted on an archival form for better support of the material. If going into storage, the shirt should be boxed flat with padding along the seams and arms.Relationships
Related Person or Organization
Person or Organization
Warren Fire DepartmentPerson or Organization
James CallamoreProvenance
Provenance Detail
Gift of Barbara BartonOwner/Agent
Barbara BartonAcquisition Date
Nov 6, 1997Create Date
July 7, 2025Update Date
March 17, 2026
