It all began in 1996 with a single firefighter helmet. At the time, I never imagined that this first piece would become one of the largest private collections of historic firefighter helmets.

Today, 30 years later, the collection includes more than 1,300 firefighter helmets from around the world. Every helmet tells its own story – from the early days of firefighting to modern times. Many are rare, and some are truly unique witnesses to the history of the fire service.

Through this website, I would like to share this extraordinary collection with enthusiasts around the world, document historic firefighter helmets, and help preserve this important part of firefighting heritage.

My sincere thanks go to all collectors, manufacturers, fire departments, museums, and friends who have supported me throughout the past three decades.

1996 – 2026
30 Years of Collecting Passion 

I wish all firefighters around the world a happy St. Florian's Day.

Thank you for your service!  

 

 

Silent Night

Silent night! Holy night!
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child.
Holy Infant so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night! Holy night!
Son of God, love’s pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face,
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.

Silent night! Holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight;
Glories stream from heaven afar,
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia;
Christ

Lyrics: Joseph Mohr / Music: Franz Gruber
Photo from the Memorial Chapel in Oberndorf – Salzburg region – Austria. 

Are you participating as a vintage vehicle exhibitor or competitor?

As part of the 100th anniversary celebrations of the Karlsruhe Fire Department, the Baden-Württemberg State Firefighters Association and the Karlsruhe Fire Department invite you to two exceptional events: the 34th Competition for Historic Hand-Pump Fire Engines and the 12th State Firefighter Vintage Vehicle Rally.

Experience firefighting history up close on the weekend of April 25th and 26th, 2026!

On Sunday, vintage fire engines will be on display in all their glory in front of Karlsruhe Palace. The proud owners will be putting their meticulously maintained treasures through their paces. Vintage vehicle enthusiasts can look forward to engaging conversations – the experts will be happy to answer all your questions about these historic vehicles.

At the 34th Competition for Historic Hand-Pump Fire Engines, teams will compete for the jury's recognition. Experience the vintage fire engines in action – an amazing event for the whole family.
... Want to participate? Fire departments and owners of historic fire engines or hand-operated fire pumps who wish to take part should complete the registration form by January 25, 2026, and send it as soon as possible to the office of the State Firefighters Association (post@fwvbw.de).

Participants have the option of arriving on Saturday and taking advantage of affordable overnight accommodation in shared lodgings. The valuable pumps and vintage vehicles will be carefully stored overnight.

https://www.fwvbw.de/ 

In memory of the victims of the terrorist raids in the United States of America.

Our memory particularly is for the 343 members of the FDNY and their families

-Last alarm 2025-
At the same time we commemorate the firefighters all over the world who was killed in action.

Thanks and appreciation for their contributions!  

For various small corrections and additions I am looking for an ambitious web designer who will help me to keep this website running.
I know about helmets but unfortunately not about bits and bytes.
If someone feels addressed, I would be very happy about a short message.
German language required.

Markus
www.derfeuerwehrhelm.de  

 

 

Nativity scene Parish Church of St. Columba, Pfaffenweiler

When we celebrate Christmas this year there will be places in the world where there is war, where there is fighting and where people are suffering and dying.

Christ came into the world at Christmas, an angel announced his birth and said:
Today a Savior has been born for you, who is Christ the Lord - peace on earth to those of his grace!

So at Christmas let us pray above all for peace in the world!

Merry and blessed Christmas to you all.

Markus - der feuerwehrhelm.de  

In memory of the victims of the terrorist raids in the United States of America.

Our memory particularly is for the 343 members of the FDNY and their families

-Last alarm 2024-
At the same time we commemorate the firefighters all over the world who was killed in action.

Thanks and appreciation for their contributions!  

 

I wish all firefighters around the world a happy St. Florian's Day.

Thank you for your service!