UNIFORMS OF THE SAPEURS-POMPIERS FROM 1700 TO THE PRESENT DAY

The role of Sapeur-pompier only truly emerged at the beginning of the 18th century, with the invention of the hand pump. The necessity of training skilled and available technicians gave birth to the Gardes-Pompes. In order to be immediately recognisable, they required a distinctive mark. The corporate medal was succeeded by headgear — first a cap, then a helmet — until a uniform eventually appeared.

The uniform of the Sapeur-pompier is therefore a relatively recent creation compared to those of other major branches of the State. The First Empire would see, in broad outline, the definition of the uniform of the soldiers of fire, but it would take until the end of the 19th century for each corps to be issued a dress uniform, and the 1950s for it to be standardised. No study had until this day presented and brought together, in a single work, the full range of headgear and uniforms worn by sapeurs-pompiers of both military and civilian corps, from their origins to the latest technological advances.

Intended equally for the enthusiast of the institution's history and for the collector, this work covers every aspect of the subject, with the help of more than 700 colour photographs, engravings and period photographs, some of which are entirely unpublished.