Cast Iron Fire Engine Fire Marker

Painted cast iron horizontal fire marker with a fire engine and initials "U.F." Similar one in the Fireman's Hall Museum. The Fire Association of Philadelphia managed an insurance company bearing the same name. Not all fire engine, hose and ladder companies were able to join the Association due to the prohibitive entrance fee. Also, non-members did not receive any monetary assistance from the Association even though they fought fires and protected the city as much as the member companies. Because of this disadvantage, the non-member companies on August 2, 1860 chartered a new company named the United Firemen’s Insurance Company of Philadelphia. This new company issued a fire mark depicting a steam fire engine which was the latest in technology in the fight against fire. 11" x 8 1/2".