FIRE ASSOCIATION OF PHILADELPHIA

In 1817, five Hose Companies and eleven Engine Fire Companies formed the Fire Association of Philadelphia, becoming the nation's first association of volunteer fire departments. The Fire Association issued their first fire mark that same year.

This fire mark showed an old fire plug with a length of hose and the initials of the Association on either side. The original marks were of cast iron or lead construction. One of their Fire Marks has been on Independence Hall since the 1800's. The Fire Association later became Reliance Insurance Company, which ceased doing business in 2000, ending a 183 year history.

This mark measures approximately 6.50" X 10.25" and is a pewter like/look cast metal (non-ferrous) construction with mounting holes at the top and bottom. The mark had an unpainted surface which has a dark silver/pewter look and feel about it. It would make an excellent addition for fire mark, fire fighting, insurance memorabilia collector, or insurance company employee or retiree

American insurance company's fire marks were placed on the exterior of a house and were intended to discourage malicious arson by showing that the owner would not greatly suffer if the building were destroyed. Additionally, the mark stood as a guarantee to fire brigades that the insurance company which insured the house in question would reward handsomely the brigade extinguishing a blaze on the premises.