Entwicklung des Kopfschutzes fuer den Feuerwehrmann

in Zagreb was celebrated. At that occasion, the break with the Fire Brigade Union of the Kingdom of
Yugoslavia, as well as not using the fireman’s uniforms of the Kingdom was required.
Along with all the changes of social and political systems Croatia was a part of, the changes in fire fighting,
including uniforms and headdresses, also occurred.
The Museum of Croatian Fire Fighting in Varaždin was ceremonially opened on June 19. 1994, on the
occasion of the 130 th anniversary of fire fighting in Varaždin and the whole Croatia. The Museum is the
symbol of Varaždin and one of the most remarkable cultural and historical sights. It houses precious fire
fighting heritage, displays it and reveals to the public. Among them are numerous collections. According
to the given subject, I am presenting the valuable collection of fireman’s helmets from the end of the 19 th
and the beginning of the 20 th centuries. These especially beautiful and lavishly decorated helmets were
frequently displayed at exhibitions at home and abroad. Three of them were selected to be presented at
the exhibition “Fire Fighting Yesterday and Today” in Halbturn/ Burgenland, Austria in 1998. The helmets
are of different shapes, made out of different materials showing fire fighting symbols, the emblem
of St. Florian, the patron saint of firemen, two crossed hands compositionally supplemented with laurel
and oak leaves. Some helmets have decorative elements positioned on both sides for example lions´
heads, others include stylized elements lavishly arranged over the whole helmet. Especially beautiful
and interesting is the helmet with a prominent historical coat of arms of the city of Varaždin. The coats
of arms were made in the well known mint Sorlini in Varaždin after in 1923 the Town Council allowed
the citizens to use the town’s coat of arms on the helmets. This happened on the occasion of the 60 th anniversary
of the Volunteer Fire Fighting Brigade of Varaždin on August 15. 1924.
Among other helmets there is a helmet with fire fighting symbols and a metal plate bearing the Croatian
fire fighting greeting “God be with you!” introduced into the Croatian fire fighting by Đuro Stjepan
Deželić, the president of the Croatian and Slavonian Fire Fighting Association. Especially attractive are
the helmet and the case with two crossed hands and the red plume on the top belonging to the teacher of
Croatian fireman Mirko Kolarić sr., born in Varaždin.
Only one helmet has a metal plate with the name J. G. Leib, Biberach, Germany from around 1930.
This helmet belonged to Dr. Hinko Krizman, a non-commissioned officer, and it had the symbol of St.
Florian at the front. Beside officer’s helmets, in the collection there are also some more modest ones,
black helmets of apprentice firemen.
Among other headdresses here is also an officer’s cap in grey and blue colour of French cut with a
golden braid band.
It must be pointed out that most of the helmets in this collection are in good condition but there are also
some requiring expert’s restoration.
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