Associated Firemen's Insurance of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania was originally founded in 1850 and issued their first fire mark in 1851. Their original mark was of cast iron construction and measured 7.875" X 8.375". It was the cut-out image of a fireman wearing a hat and cape. The fireman is next to a fire hydrant, using a speaking trumpet, with a wrench in his hand to open the hydrant. The fireman is standing on a crescent shaped base that has raised text that reads “FIRE COMPANY.”
This Associated Firemen's mark is a Robert Emig cast metal (non ferrous) fire mark measuring approximately 7.625"X 8.250". The plaque has three holes for mounting on a wall. Mark is in very good condition with limited paint loss and wear along with having a nice vintage look and feel. This is a great item and would make an excellent addition for any collector of firefighting or insurance memorabilia.
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
