Description: TREE FIRE MARK Benjamin Franklin, who founded the Philadelphia Contributionship, strongly believed that trees next to a house would attract lightning and thereby increase the risk of fire. Mutual Assurance of Philadelphia was founded in 1784 by 40 members of the Contributionship who didn't believe it was a problem to insure buildings surrounded by trees. Their mark bears a tree on it to reflect the willingness to cover these buildings. Mutual's original mark had a tree made out of lead and was mounted on a wood shield measuring "12.124" X 15.625". This mark is of mixed metal (non-ferrous) construction and was cast by Iron Master. It measures approximately 7.5" X 11.0" and has a heavily painted surface with a vintage look and feel to it. This would make an excellent addition for any collector of firefighting or insurance company memorabilia, an agent/broker, or a company employee or retiree. American insurance company's fire marks were placed on the exterior of a house and were intended to discourage malicious arson by showing that the owner would not greatly suffer if the building were destroyed. Additionally, the mark stood as a guarantee to fire brigades that the insurance company which insured the house in question would reward handsomely the brigade extinguishing a blaze on the premises. Shipping Info Shipping & Handling Charges are indicated below. ECONOMY USA S&H of $14.95 applies to this item INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMERS CONTACT US FOR RATES. International buyers please note the following: International Shipping is available with appropriate charge. Please contact us about what the charge would be based on your location. Import duties, taxes and charges are not included in the item price or shipping charges. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding/buying. RETURNS: The refund will be based on the purchase price excluding the original shipping, handling and material expense fees. Applicable Sales Tax will be applied to the winning purchase price of this auction and will be collected by eBay. Powered by SixBit's eCommerce Solution
Price: 79.99 USD
Location: Fallbrook, California
End Time: 2024-12-28T23:01:38.000Z
Shipping Cost: 14.95 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back