Name/Title
Leather Miner's HelmetEntry/Object ID
WS.0084Description
Leather "turtleshell" style coal miner's helmet, boiled leather top with leather brim, leatherette surround, canvas and leather interior lining, 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, later models came with Bakelite top.Collection
Coal Mining ToolsClothing/Dress/Costume Details
Article of Clothing/Dress/Costume
HelmetClothing Sex
MaleSize
size of helmet is small enough to be for a young man or possibly a childTextile Details
Fabric
CanvasMaterial
LeatherNotes
includes leatherette around outsideExhibition
From Treason to TriumphInterpretative Labels
Label Type
Object LabelLabel
(Label is object title only)Research Notes
Research Type
CuratorPerson
Shaun SliferDate
Nov 27, 2020Notes
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, a carbide lamp or, later, an electric lamp.Research Type
InternetPerson
Shaun SliferDate
Nov 27, 2020Notes
1933 Patent information attached:
1933-02-06
Application filed by Albert A Strauss
1933-06-06
Application granted
1933-06-06
Publication of patent no.US1912551A
