Cap, Miner's
Object number2001.89.2
Manufacturer
Mine Safety Appliances Company
Datec. 1947
Mediumphenolic plastic resin, fiber, var. fabrics, metal hardware, thread (lacing)
Credit LineGift of Richard Furgiuele
DescriptionCoal miner's hard-hat or helmet, damaged in a work accident. Shell of brown phenolic resin-impregnated woven fiber strips, overlaid and laminated and formed in a mold to produce a smooth surface. Tall domed crown, with embossed X reinforcement on top, straight rim at base, and molded boss with metal clip to attach a miner's lamp in front. Short bill or brim at front; internal fabric headband suspended on four web straps (one strap missing) and secured by lacing threaded through holes drilled along rim of helmet shell.Dimensions5.5 x 6.5 x 12 in. (14 x 16.5 x 30.5 cm)MarksEmbossed in shell at lamp-mount boss: "MSA Comfo-Cap".
Historical NotesRichard "Rickie" Furgiele worked as a shuttle-car operator in the Alverda Mines (Redlands Coal Company) in Indiana County, Pennsylvania. This helmet was damaged in an accident which occurred as Rick was driving a shuttle car and turned a corner, striking a low roof overhang, and wedging his head between the ceiling and steering wheel. This cap is of a slightly different (newer) construction than the other helmet in this collection (2001.89.1); it uses a coarser-mesh fiber laminate and straight sides.Label TextThis crushed coal mining helmet saved the life of its owner. A second generation Italian American whose parents came to Western Pennsylvania in search of work, Richard Furgiuele wore this helmet in the late 1940s when employed by the Redlands Coal Company in Indiana County. While driving a shuttle car into the mine, Furgiuele’s head became lodged between a low hanging ceiling and the seat of his vehicle. It took mine safety workers over an hour to free him.
Related institution
Redlands Coal Company
Previous owner
Richard Furgiuele
On View
On view
c. 1930
