The Penn Fire Insurance Company, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania was incorporated May 31, 1841 and was wiped out in the "Big Pittsburgh Fire" on April 10, 1845. Their original mark consisted of a two dimensional bust of William Penn cast in relief, who is depicted wearing a tricorner hat, cravat, and jacket. Underneath the bust is a crescent-shaped banner that reads “INSURED” in raised block text. The mark measured 8.75" X 9.0", was of cast iron construction and was painted gold with brown letters.

This mark features a bust of William Penn in gold with a black banner on the bottom and the word INSURED in silver.  It is a medal (non-ferous) mark which measures approximately 8.0" x 8.0" and cast by Robert Emig.  It is in good condition with only minor chips in the paint, which adds to it's vintage/antique look. This mark is not one regularly seen for sale.  It would make an excellent addition to a collection of fire marks, insurance memorabilia, or a great gift for a firefighter or insurance agent/underwriter.

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 suffer greatly if the building was 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.