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Rare Circa 1896 American Vajen-Bader
Rare Circa 1896 American Vajen-Bader
Rare Circa 1896 American Vajen-Bader
Rare Circa 1896 American Vajen-Bader
Rare Circa 1896 American Vajen-Bader
Rare Circa 1896 American Vajen-Bader
Rare Circa 1896 American Vajen-Bader
Rare Circa 1896 American Vajen-Bader
Rare Circa 1896 American Vajen-Bader
Rare Circa 1896 American Vajen-Bader
Rare Circa 1896 American Vajen-Bader
Rare Circa 1896 American Vajen-Bader

Rare Circa 1896 American Vajen-Bader "Patent Smoke Protector” Air Tank

$ 528

Availability: 100 in stock
  • Refund will be given as: Money Back
  • All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
  • Restocking Fee: No
  • Item must be returned within: 14 Days
  • Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
  • Condition: This tank is offered in original “as found” condition with no restoration. It shows a nice patina, no dents or dings, the main valve and supply inlet valve move smoothly.

    Description

    For your consideration is this very rare Vajen-Bader “Masked Hero” Patent Smoke Protector Air Tank.
    The Vajen-Bader Co. produced Fireman's respiratory equipment since founding in 1881. The Vajen-Bader Patent Smoke Protector of the 1890's and early 1900's supplied breathable air from a compressed air cylinder on the back of the helmet. This early respiratory apparatus was comprised of hand stitched chamois leather "specially prepared" so that fire, water, noxious gases and corrosive chemicals were equally without "injurious effect" upon it, and sealed off the wearer’s head from the environment.
    Firemen could venture into thick smoke without fear of suffocation. One of the helmet’s most desirable features was this compact compression tank (having a pressure of 100 pounds), fabricated circa 1896-1910, that produced fresh 20 degree cooler air to the Firemen.
    Although there were many attempts to design a mask and tank that would effectively filter out the smoke as well as provide fresh air, the Vajen-Bader Smoke Protector in 1896 was the one that attracted the most attention, and was soon in use across the United States and in many foreign countries as well.
    The Protector was adopted by the fire departments of over one hundred of the largest cities, both in America and abroad. It was also used in the largest brewing establishments in the country, and by large mining and gas companies, as well as Naval Firefighters. The very few intact surviving examples are found in private collections and museums.
    It is speculated that Star Wars writer-director George Lucas drew inspiration from the Vajen-Bader Smoke Protector and similar helmets of the period to create his greatest villain.
    VAjen-baDER becomes VADER…Darth Vader.
    The sound of the Vajen-Bader Protector Helmet in operation has been compared to the ominous mechanical breathing of Darth Vader.
    Take a look at the pictures, and it’s hard to miss the likeness of Vader and C-3P0.
    This tank is offered in original “as found” condition with no restoration.
    It shows a nice patina, no dents or dings, the main valve and supply inlet valve move smoothly.
    Overall length is approx. 11.5”.
    Diameter is approx. 6.25”.
    This sale is an excellent opportunity to acquire a true and authentic piece of Military, Firefighting, and quite possibly cinematic history, and would be a great addition for any museum or private collection.