This is the second pattern British Fire Office Fire Mark, or Fire Plate as these brass plated metal marks were called. This plate depicts a standing lion with his right paw resting on the shield of Great Britian. These fire marks were invented for the purpose of and used as a guide for the insurance company fire brigades. If, in the event a fire brigade arrvived on the scene and found that it was not their office that insured the risk, they went home again, leaving the owner or public to fight the fire. A true historic curiosity. Dents, some edge losses and small holes. 8" in diameter.
Misc. Antiques and Curiosities
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