Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number. The company or agent would then affix the mark to the policyholder’s home or business. For owners the mark served as proof of insurance and a deterrent against arson. For insurance companies the mark served as a form of advertising, and alerted volunteer firefighters that the property was insured.
The State Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company of Hannibal, Missouri issued this zinc fire mark in 1865. The oval mark features a relief of the state seal of Missouri in the center, with raised text around the rim that reads “STATE/MUTUAL.” The mark has been painted red. The State Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company operated from 1865 until 1873.