FIRE MARK: Penn Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh Plaque - SIGN/MARKER

Description

PENN FIRE INSURANCE
The Penn Fire Insurance Company, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania was incorporated May 31, 1841 and was wiped out in the "Big Pittsburgh Fire" on April 10, 1845. Their original mark consisted of a two dimensional bust of William Penn cast in relief, who is depicted wearing a tricorner hat, cravat, and jacket. Underneath the bust is a crescent-shaped banner that reads “INSURED” in raised block text. The mark measured 8.75" X 9.0", was of cast iron construction and was painted gold with brown letters.
This mark features a bust of William Penn in gold with a black banner on the bottom and the word INSURED in silver.
It is a medal (non-ferous) mark which measures approximately 8.5" x 8.5" and cast by
John Wright
.  It is in good condition with only minor chips in the paint, which adds to it's vintage/antique look. This mark is rare and not one regularly seen for sale.  It would make an excellent addition to a collection of fire marks, insurance memorabilia, or a great gift for a firefighter or insurance agent/underwriter.
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 suffer greatly if the building was 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.
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California Residents need to add 7.75% Sales Tax to the winning purchase price of this auction.
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