Real Styrian fire brigade history: restoration of ancient helmets started!
Real Styrian fire brigade history: restoration of ancient helmets started!
Feuerwehrmuseum St. Florian, Steiermark, Österreich - On June 4, 2025, an impressive restoration project was completed in the St. Florian Fire Brigade Museum. Firefighters have devoted themselves to the task of putting old fire brigade helmets from 1890 to 1920 back into their original condition. The museum director Katrin Knass-Roßmann contacted Peter Greßl, district clerk for fire brigade history in Amstetten, to receive support.
Together with Julian Blaschek from FF EDLA Boxhofen, Greßl traveled to St. Florian for three days to restore the helmets. Equipped with a tool case, polishing machine and sewing needle, the historians began on the first day with a compliance and inspection of the museum.
The restoration work
On the second day, Greßl and Blaschek set up a provisional workshop in the vehicle hall. Blaschek disassembled the helmets into individual parts, while Greßl dents put an iron ball in the helmet shells. The pump of an old Steyr was creatively used as a vice. In addition, Blaschek prepared helmet coat of arms, split and scale bands for polishing. During this work, an original Styrian helmet model was worn for safety.
The restoration work was enriched by the discovery of an old signal horn in the museum, which was also included in the restoration. In the afternoon of the second day, however, the large station polishing machine failed because the motor winding burned down. During this waiting time, the signal horn received special attention, and a replacement machine ensured that the work could be continued.
insight into the history of the fire brigade helmets
The history of the fire brigade helmets is fascinating and goes back to the early days of the fire brigades. In these early days, helmets were an important head protection and part of the uniform. However, they have changed a lot over the years, especially in the past few decades when the focus was on the individual protection of the wearers. Early fire brigade helmets were often magnificently decorated and wore symbols such as oak or linden tree that symbolized strength and protection. Today's helmets are functional and ergonomically designed.
A remarkable part of the story is the influence of National Socialism on the design of fire brigade helmets, whereby these were colored darkly and Wehrmacht helmets were used. Modern helmets such as the F300 from Schuberth, which is highly valued because of its low weight and ergonomic design in the fire brigade competition scene, are an interesting turn in this development.
conclusion and outlook
On the third day, the restored helmets were put together again, and there was a photo shoot of the newly won collector's pieces. A total of four restored helmets and two signal horns were finally handed over to the museum director, who was able to recognize the impressive performance of the fire brigade historians. Visitors to the fire brigade museum are recommended not only to admire the refined restored exhibits, but also to explore the rich history of the fire brigade culture. The restoration of this time -honored helmet is an impressive example of the preservation and appreciation of past fire brigade history.
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Ort | Feuerwehrmuseum St. Florian, Steiermark, Österreich |
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