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 United States Insurance Company of Baltimore, Maryland issued this cast iron fire mark in 1834.The mark is embossed with the simple text: “INSURED/U.S.I.Co.” The United States Insurance Company operated from 1833 until 1845.
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 Insurance Company of Florida of Jacksonville, Florida issued this fire mark in 1841. The Insurance Company of Florida lasted only a few years. The wooden initials “IF” are affixed to a shield-shaped wooden backing.
In the nineteenth century, volunteer fire companies often commissioned paintings to decorate their hand-pumped fire engines for parades, competitions, and community events. Sometimes framed with elaborate carvings, they adorned the tall air chamber located at the middle or rear of a pumper. The paintings would often feature patriotic, heroic, or allegorical images to associate the volunteer companies with these lofty ideals.
This Angel Holding Trumpet panel painting was made by an unknown artist in the late 19th century. The character could possibly be a personification of Fame, celebrating the triumphing of the fire company.
This is a bas-relief carving of a hose wagon was painted red and mounted onto a wooden panel. Dated to around 1890-1900, the panel was most likely made for decoration and not used on a fire engine. The A.F.D. painted on the hose wagon possibly refers to the Albany Fire Department of New York.
The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information. The fire company's name and number appeared, often alongside the city or town where it was based. The frontpiece could also include the owner's initials and rank. Most fire helmets had leather frontpieces, but frontpieces could also be made of metal, especially on presentation helmets or those worn in parades.
This leather frontpiece was manufactured by Anderson & Jones of New York, New York around 1871. It was worn by a member of the Hope Steam Fire Engine Company No. 17, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Organized in 1796 as the Hope Fire Engine Company, a hand engine company, it acquired a steam engine in 1860 and changed its name to the Hope Steam Fire Engine Company No. 17. The company was active until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established. The tan frontpiece originally read “HOPE/17/STEAMFIRE CO/JWA” but several of the letters are now missing. The letters are white leather on a red background.
The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information. The fire company's name and number appeared, often alongside the city or town where it was based. The frontpiece could also include the owner's initials and rank. Most fire helmets had leather frontpieces, but frontpieces could also be made of metal, especially on presentation helmets or those worn in parades.
This white leather frontpiece was made during the 19th century. The frontpiece has a black banner at the top and bottom with raised white leather letters that read “WILLIAM PENN / HOSE.” The center of the frontpiece has a red background with scalloped border, and the white leather number “18.” The William Penn Hose Company was located in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1830, it operated as a hose company until 1864, when it acquired a steam fire engine. It served as a hose and steam fire engine company until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established. Because the frontpiece does not show that they were also a steam fire engine company, it’s likely to have been issued between 1830 and 1864.
The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information. The fire company's name and number appeared, often alongside the city or town where it was based. The frontpiece could also include the owner's initials and rank. Most fire helmets had leather frontpieces, but frontpieces could also be made of metal, especially on presentation helmets or those worn in parades.
This white leather frontpiece has a red banner at the top that originally read “JACKSON” but many of the letters are chipped or missing. A cut-out green star is below the banner. A large black number “4” is in the center of the frontpiece, surrounded by three U.S. flags painted on either side. A blue banner is below the number “4” with a white leather number “10” inside. A blank red banner is flanked by painted images of foxes on branches now faded. At the bottom of the frontpiece is a painted image of a spider-type hose carriage now faded. This is likely a presentation frontpiece, which were often elaborately designed and oversized.
The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information. The fire company's name and number appeared, often alongside the city or town where it was based. The frontpiece could also include the owner's initials and rank. Most fire helmets had leather frontpieces, but frontpieces could also be made of metal, especially on presentation helmets or those worn in parades.
This frontpiece was worn by a member of the Fellowship Steam Fire Engine Company No. 27, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Organized in 1819 as the Fellowship Fire Engine Company, a hand engine company, it acquired a steam engine in 1860 and changed its name to the Fellowship Steam Fire Company of Germantown. The company was active until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established. This white leather frontpiece has two recessed black banners at its top and bottom with the text “FELLOWSHIP / SFE” in white leather letters. The center of the piece has a circular recess with a scalloped border, and the number “27” in white leather letters at the middle.
The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information. The fire company's name and number appeared, often alongside the city or town where it was based. The frontpiece could also include the owner's initials and rank. Most fire helmets had leather frontpieces, but frontpieces could also be made of metal, especially on presentation helmets or those worn in parades.
This leather frontpiece was worn by a member of the Empire Hook and Ladder Company No. 1, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Organized in 1851, the company was active until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established. This leather frontpiece was manufactured by Anderson & Jones of New York, New York around 1875. The frontpiece has the image of an eagle painted at the top, with the word “EMPIRE” painted in white below the eagle. A large white leather number “1” is in the center, with a crossed hook and ladder behind it, also in leather. A cartouche at the bottom of the frontpiece originally bore raised leather initials (possibly “CMM”), but those are now missing.
As more American volunteer fire fighting companies began to form during the late 18th century, a need emerged for better organized efforts in combating conflagrations. Engineers and officers would use “speaking trumpets” to amplify their voices over the noise and commotion of a fire scene to direct the company in effectively fighting the blaze. Two trumpet variants are reflected in the collection: plain and functional “working” trumpets that were actively used at fires, and highly decorated “presentation” trumpets. Presentation trumpets were awarded to firefighters in honor of their service, or between fire companies during visits, competitions, and musters.
This brass work trumpet was used during the 19th century. Unusually, this trumpet is collapsible, designed with stacked sections, presumably for ease of storage.
The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information. The fire company's name and number appeared, often alongside the city or town where it was based. The frontpiece could also include the owner's initials and rank. Most fire helmets had leather frontpieces, but frontpieces could also be made of metal, especially on presentation helmets or those worn in parades.
This leather frontpiece was made in the 19th century. The frontpiece has two dark brown banners at the top with raised brown leather lettering that reads “RED JACKET/HOSE” but the “C” is missing. A large recessed white number “1” is in the center of the frontpiece, and there is a cartouche at the bottom with a raised white leather letter “H.” Two other initials originally preceded the “H” but are now missing. The Red Jacket Hose Company took its name from the red jackets its members wore during service, which was a popular style employed by companies in Boston, Philadelphia, Illinois, and Iowa.
The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information. The fire company's name and number appeared, often alongside the city or town where it was based. The frontpiece could also include the owner's initials and rank. Most fire helmets had leather frontpieces, but frontpieces could also be made of metal, especially on presentation helmets or those worn in parades.
This white leather frontpiece was made during the 19th century. The frontpiece is made of white leather, with a red banner at the top with raised white leather letters that reads “STAFF.” The center of the frontpiece has an overlapped monogram that reads “VFA.” Below are two black banners with raised white leather lettering that reads “BOSTON/1833.” The “VFA” likely refers to the Veteran Firemen’s Association of Boston that was formed in 1833. While many Veteran Firemen’s Associations were formed to foster camaraderie and social connections, Boston’s Veteran Firemen’s Association was formed “to repair forthwith to all fires with their badge, and there exert themselves with all skill and power in aiding or assisting any part of the Department.”
At the core of any fire company is the apparatus used to fight fires and protect lives. This was particularly true of for the volunteer fire fighters in 19th century America. Often purchased with their own funds, their fire engines were the focus of their pride and affection, as well as their identities as fire fighters. Engine plates, often made of brass, would be prominently affixed to engines and inscribed with the company name, number, and founding date. Engine plates could pass from old engine to new, or be kept in the firehouse as a memorial to a departed apparatus.
This number “6” is cut from a tin and has a brass wash. It has seven holes that allowed for attachment. This number plate is believed to be from the "Big Six" engine of the Americus Fire Company No. 6 of New York City.
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 Franklin Insurance Company of St. Louis, Missouri issued this zinc fire mark around 1855. The shield-shaped mark has raised text that reads “FRANKLIN/INSURANCE/Co./ST.LOUIS.” The fire mark has been painted green, which is faded in some areas. The Franklin Insurance Company operated from 1855 until 1906.
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 Lexington Fire, Life and Marine Insurance Company issued this zinc fire mark around 1836. Cast in the shape of an eagle, the mark is similar to the one that was used by the Insurance Company of North America. The Lexington Fire, Life and Marine Insurance Company operated from 1836 until around 1872.
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 Charleston Mutual Insurance Company of Charleston, South Carolina issued this fire mark around 1798. The mark features a raised image of an angel bringing rain and pouring water over a burning city, with an overhead text that reads “MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY.” The Charleston Mutual Insurance Company operated from 1797 until 1806.
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 Western Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company of St. Louis, Missouri issued this iron fire mark in 1857. The oval mark features a central relief of two clasped hands, with raised text around the rim that reads “WESTERN/MUTUAL.” The Western Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company operated in St. Louis from 1857 to 1874.
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 Peabody Insurance Company of Wheeling, West Virginia issued this cast iron fire mark in 1869. The scalloped hourglass-shaped fire mark has raised text that reads “INSURED/PEABODY/WHEELING.” The company operated from 1869 until 1899.
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 Clay Fire and Marine Insurance Company of Newport, Kentucky issued this fire mark in 1856. The mark is an unusually shaped scalloped cast iron piece, with a raised text that reads “CLAY/FIRE AND MARINE/INSURANCE CO/OF NEWPORT KY.” The Clay Fire and Marine Insurance Company operated from 1856 to 1879.
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 Firemen's Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania issued this cast iron fire mark in 1834. The square mark has a raised image of a Philadelphia-style pumper in the center. The Firemen’s Insurance Company operated from 1834 until 1845, when losses suffered in the Great Fire of Pittsburgh forced it to close.