Entwicklung des Kopfschutzes fuer den Feuerwehrmann

The helmets of the Vienna Professional Fire Brigade
in the changing times
Summary
In the year 1854, the first fire helmets were designed from the eliminated helmets of the Vienna Municipal
guard. Helmets were created which, according to order of precedence, were different in appearance.
The helmet caps were made of steel sheet. The helmets of the “Druckmänner” and the coachmen were
until 1907 made of cowhide. As protection against hitting objects, all these helmets had a comb. This
kind of helmets were uniformly used until 1932.
After this time, until 1935, different helmet types and materials were tested. The helmet “Vienna style
with spider”, made of special light alloy, proved a success. This was the only helmet which stood up to
all experts` examinations. Manufacturer was Karl Weinberger, Vienna. Helmets of this style were used
until the War 1939.
With the change of “ Fire brigade” into “ Fire prevention Police”, steel helmets were worn for six years
until end of World War II, spring 1945. After that they returned as soon as possible to the helmets of
Vienna style.
In the year 1967, a slight change of these helmets followed. The sun- and the neck protector became
more flat; the other shape remained the same. This design was used until 1989.
After that year the “Dräger”-helmets of synthetic material are used. These have safety goggles and heat
protection visor in 4 different colours according to order of precedence. Until today it has proved to be
very good through it´s good head protection.
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