Item description for FIRE MARK MEDI Mobile Fire Department Insurance Company Plaque 1878 MARKER/SIGN

Mobile Fire Department Insurance Company

The Mobile Fire Department Insurance Company of Mobile, Alabama started in business in 1866. Their oval cast iron fire mark measured 11 5/8" X 7 7/8" and featured the profile view of a typical firefighter’s helmet, with a front shield and rear brim. Below the helmet features were the letters “MFDICo.” The Mobile Fire Department Insurance Company ceased doing business in 1879

This MEDICo. Fire Mark has the number 1878 at the top of it and measures approximately 7.0" X 13.5". It is based on the Mobile Fire Department Insurance Company Fire mark with a firefighter's helmet, plus an old time steam engine. This mark/plaque is a cutout/silhouette design of cast metal (non ferrous) construction and was made by the Sexton Company. The mark has a nice painted surface and has a nice vintage look to it. This would make a great addition for any fire mark, fire fighting or insurance memorabilia collector.

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.