Fire Insurance Company of Baltimore

The Firemen's Insurance Company of Baltimore was formed in 1825. It adopted as its mark, a double decker hand operated pumper that required 30 men to pump less than two gallons of water per stroke. The original mark was issued in 1835, had wheels with twelve spokes and at 13.0" X 14.0", it was the largest of any mark in America. Insureds were charged $1.25 for the first mark, replacements were free, and the mark had to be returned to the company when the policy was discontinued. 

This is a metal (non ferrous) fire mark measuring approximately 11.75" x 13.25" and was cast by John Wright. It has a rough/rustic surface with limited paint loss and rust/patina, which adds to the marks vintage look and feel. This would make a great addition for any fire mark, fire fighting or insurance memorabilia collector.

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.