1910 Olympia Hose Co. New Rochelle, N.Y. Volunteer Fireman’s Badge

This is an original Volunteer Fireman’s badge issued in 1910 to commemorate the Hudson-Fulton Celebration in New Rochelle, New York. The badge represents a fascinating piece of early 20th-century firefighting history, specifically highlighting the role of volunteer fire companies in local communities. It was manufactured by The Chas. M. Robbins Co. of Attleboro, Mass, a known maker of medals and badges during this period.

Badge Design: The badge features a brass top bar that reads “New Rochelle, N.Y. Olympia Hose Co.” with a crest and decorative flourishes. Suspended from the top bar is a bright red silk ribbon that adds a striking visual contrast to the brass elements.

Hanging below the ribbon is a large, ornate medallion that bears intricate details. At the top of the medallion is an engraved image of a firehouse, representing the Olympia Hose Co. In the center, crossed fire hoses frame the date “1910.” Below this, an image of the Hudson River and its surrounding landscape is depicted, celebrating the Hudson-Fulton event. The edges of the medallion are adorned with decorative motifs, adding to its commemorative nature. Along the sides of the medallion, the words “Celebration of Volunteer Fire Companies” can be seen, emphasizing the pride and honor of volunteer firefighting service during this era.

Reverse Side: On the reverse of the medallion is the maker’s mark, “The Chas. M. Robbins Co., Attleboro, Mass,” providing authenticity and a link to the renowned badge and medal manufacturer of the time.

Historical Context: This badge commemorates the Hudson-Fulton Celebration of 1909-1910, a historical event that honored the 300th anniversary of Henry Hudson’s exploration of the river that now bears his name and the 100th anniversary of Robert Fulton’s successful steamboat voyage. Volunteer fire companies, like the Olympia Hose Co. in New Rochelle, played a crucial role in their communities, providing essential firefighting services before the establishment of professional fire departments. Badges like this one were created to honor their service and to celebrate local events in which these companies participated.

Condition: The badge shows some signs of age, with minor wear on the brass surfaces and slight fraying of the silk ribbon, which is expected for an item of its era. The detailed engravings on the medallion remain clearly visible, adding to its historical charm. Measuring approximately 3 inches in length, this badge is a unique artifact representing the volunteer spirit and dedication of early 20th-century firefighting companies.

This 1910 Olympia Hose Co. Fireman’s Badge is a rare and valuable piece for collectors interested in firefighting history, volunteer organizations, and commemorative medals from the early 1900s.

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