Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
2009.84 |
Object Name |
Sign |
Title |
Fire Marker |
Artist |
Unknown |
Description |
Symbol of four metal hands holding wrists create a diamond shape at the top of a medium light colored wooden plaque. At the bottom is "1752", also cast in metal. Similar to 2009.85. |
Label |
This fire mark (along with 2009.85) is from the Philadelphia Contributionship for the Insurance of Houses by Loss of Fire, America’s oldest fire insurance company. Benjamin Franklin and other well-known Philadelphians founded the Contributionship in 1752. Silversmith Philip Syng Jr., a close friend of Franklin’s and treasurer of the APS, created the design of “four Hands united.” Foundry worker John Stow, one of the recasters of the Liberty Bell, originally cast the marks. Fire marks were attached to houses to notify fire brigades that the buildings were insured. The marks first appeared in Great Britain. There, fire brigades were associated with particular insurance companies; each one would only extinguish fires in buildings covered by its company. In the United States, fire marks served as advertising for insurance companies, since each firm developed its own design. The marks may have also encouraged community members and other policyholders to help fight fires. These fire marks date from the 20th century, when the Contributionship began including the date 1752 on their marks. |
Material |
Cast metal and wood |
Dimensions |
H-15.25 W-10.25 D-2 inches |
Credit line |
American Philosophical Society |
Search Terms |
20th century twentieth century Franklin |