Sunnyvale : 11x 9 This is a UF Fire Mark — an oval cast iron plaque issued by the United Firemen’s Insurance Company of Philadelphia. It features a central image of a steam-powered fire engine in relief, flanked by the initials “U” and “F.”
Fire insurance marks were metal plaques affixed to the fronts of insured buildings as a guide to the insurance company’s fire brigade, used in the 18th and 19th centuries before municipal fire services existed. Essentially, if your building had this plaque, the fire company associated with the insurer would prioritize putting out your fire!
The United Firemen’s Insurance Company was incorporated in 1860 by a group of 28 engine and hose companies. Steam fire engines were a new technology at the time, and the use of a steamer on the fire mark shows a desire to be associated with the latest innovations in firefighting. This is not a reproduction. $250