Name/Title
Leather Miner's HelmetEntry/Object ID
MW.0179Description
"Turtleshell" style coal miner's helmet. Leather top with leather brim, leatherette surround, metal bracket for lamp attachment.Use
Head protection when working in underground coal mines.Context
First effort at head protection as standard miner's gear, replacing canvas caps. Known as Flexo Band Cool Cap, early models such as this one came with boiled leather top, later models were available with Bakelite tops.Collection
Coal Mining Tools, Fred Barkey CollectionClothing/Dress/Costume Details
Article of Clothing/Dress/Costume
HelmetClothing Sex
UnisexDimensions
Height
4-1/2 inWidth
8 inLength
9-1/2 inResearch Notes
Research Type
CuratorPerson
Shaun SliferDate
Jan 14, 2021Notes
The National Museum of American History lists item AG.MHI-MN-8181D:
This is a Flexo Band Cool Cap. The Flexo Band Cool Cap was patented by Albert A. Strauss around 1933. The cap is made of reinforced leather with a dome comprised of upstanding ribs allowing for protection and ventilation. The Flexo Band Cool Cap was often colloquially referred to as a "turtle shell" helmet, due to its distinctive style. The Flexo Band Cool Cap was distributed by a few different companies during the 20th century, including the MSA Company and the Portable Lamp and Equipment Company (Pittsburgh). The leather and metal lamp bracket is attached to the front of the cap. The bracket could have held an oil-wick lamp or a carbide lamp.
