Lost Found Art, a website dedicated to turning antique and vintage objects into art, has this ultra-rare 19th century fireman's helmet:
Taking a page right out of Jules Verne this wild looking firemans helmet circa 1890 was the first self contained breathing apparatus ever made for a firefighter. Rare and facinating piece of Americana. Thick leather helmet with caged eye guards over riveted frame. Mica lenses with little windshield wiper blades activated with a turn on the outside knobs. Whistle in front to call for help. Engraved oxygen tank with decoative gauge and fancy knob. Pierced resonator ear covers. Made by Vajen Helmet Co. Richmond, Indiana. Leather in very good shape. Only remnants of fleece lining remains. Comes with $400 custom made black steel display armature. Listed at $4,500.
http://lostfoundart.com/product_detail.cfm?collection=Objects&collection_index=1&product_ID=5&IMG_number=1 | Lost Found Art website - via Acland Brierty
This is one of the scariest looking things I've ever seen. It looks like a monster off Doctor Who. I'm going to be having nightmares about this tonight!