Fire Association of Philadelphia

The Fire Association of Philadelphia was an insurance company founded in 1817 by a group of eleven volunteer engine companies and five volunteer hose companies. A percentage of the Fire Association’s insurance company’s profits were distributed to the volunteer companies. Like many American insurance companies, this Philadelphia company issued “fire marks” to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage.

The Fire Association of Philadelphia’s “fire mark” consisted of a raised image of an early fire hydrant with hose attached, flanked by the letters “F.A.” The Fire Association adopted a fireplug as their symbol to celebrate the contribution of Philadelphia’s innovative public water system to their mission of fighting fire.

This white metal replica of a fire hydrant and hose holds an inkwell and celebrates the Association’s 100-year anniversary. The inkwell’s hinged lid bears the Fire Association’s logo and is inscribed “INSURANCE FROM LOSS BY FIRE 1817”. Around the base it reads “Fire Association of Philadelphia”. On the hydrant itself appear the dates 1817 and 1917. In the front, there is a ledge to rest a pen.

For another example of this inkwell, see: Centennial of the ‘Fire Association of Philadelphia’ – 1817-1917 – The Society of Inkwell Collectors (SOIC)