Fire Insurance Marks

[Calvin72]

In Edward Vickers 'A Popular History of Sheffield' he says that competing Fire Insurance brigades began being set up in Sheffield in 1807/8. These were already established elsewhere and policy holders would have a 'mark' on their buildings which meant a fire would be attended to. These are still seen quite commonly in London for example but we don't have anywhere near as many houses from the early 19th century, so the question is, Did they exist in Sheffield? and, Can we find one today?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_insurance_mark

[neddy]

I have a well worn battered, copper one of the Sun Insurance Office Ltd.

[Guest leksand]

6 hours ago, Calvin72 said:

In Edward Vickers 'A Popular History of Sheffield' he says that competing Fire Insurance brigades began being set up in Sheffield in 1807/8. These were already established elsewhere and policy holders would have a 'mark' on their buildings which meant a fire would be attended to. These are still seen quite commonly in London for example but we don't have anywhere near as many houses from the early 19th century, so the question is, Did they exist in Sheffield? and, Can we find one today?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_insurance_mark

Not certain it's of direct relevance, but this is how the Sheffield Fire Office was branding itself on insurance documents in the 1830's.

3 hours ago, neddy said:

I have a well worn battered, copper one of the Sun Insurance Office Ltd.

But were you responsible for the battering?!

[neddy]

20 minutes ago, leksand said:

Not certain it's of direct relevance, but this is how the Sheffield Fire Office was branding itself on insurance documents in the 1830's.

But were you responsible for the battering?!

The age and weather were more likely suspects, I'm looking after what's left.

[Ponytail]

Sheffield Fire Office. Established 1808

From Illustrated Guide to Sheffield, Pawson and Brailsford first published 1862.

 

[Archaeo]

The Sun Life mark is on the old fire station on Division St, but I’m struggling to think of any actual badges.

[Ponytail]

On 29/12/2022 at 23:48, Ponytail said:

Sheffield Fire Office. Established 1808

From Illustrated Guide to Sheffield, Pawson and Brailsford first published 1862.

 

 

Whites Directory 1849

 

Sheffield Fire Office, E. Jeffcock, secretary 15 George Street. 

Jeffcock, Edward, Secretary to Sheffield Fire Office, 15 George Street, h. Endclffe Crescent. 

 

Whites Directory 1852

 

Sheffield Fire Office, E. Jeffcock, manager 15 George Street

Jeffcock, Edward, Secretary to Sheffield Fire Office, h. Endclffe Crescent. 

 

Whites Directory 1862

 

15 George Street, Sheffield Fire Office,

Esam, Charles, secretary to Sheffield Fire Assurance Co., mining agent, 15 George Street. h. 189, South Street, Park. Also Medical, Invalid & General; Metropolitan Counties. 

 

In 1864 The Sheffield Fire Office amalgamated with the "Alliance British and Foreign Life and Fire Insurance Company."

Wonder if the Flood of that year had anything to do with it.? 

 

Whites Directory 1879

 

15 George Street, Esam, Chas G solicitor (at the old address of the Sheffield Fire Office) 

Alliance Life and Fire Assurance Co., 35 George Street, Evan Roger Owen resident sec.

Owen, Evan Roger resident sec, Alliance Life and Fire, Co., 35 George Street, h. 256 Fulwood Road. 

 

 

[Edmund]

In 1864 The Sheffield Fire Office amalgamated with the "Alliance British and Foreign Life and Fire Insurance Company."

Wonder if the Flood of that year had anything to do with it.? 

No, the first step was taken on 1st March, when a meeting of shareholders agreed to register as a limited company to facilitate the unison with the Alliance Life and Fire Company.  The benefits were greater financial backing and the ability to offer life assurance.  Operations would be run by a board of local "leading inhabitants" so that Sheffield clients would continue to have the advantage of dealing with their own townsmen.

[Edmund]

This is an alabaster pattern for making the fire marks of the Sheffield Fire Office.  Presumably a sheet of copper would have been laid on the pattern and hammered into shape over it.  The copper mark would then, I guess, be painted, so as to show up in the dark and smoke?

[Ponytail]

Artists Impression of the Sheffield Fire Brigade outside the Sheffield Fire Insurance Office, No. 15 George Street. 

Date Period: 1800-1850. 

s12462

For more information about the Sheffield Fire Brigade see: Sheffield Fire Brigade Centenary History, Local Studies Ref: 352.3 SQ. 

Note the Fire Mark on the Roof Balustrade. 

 

[Ponytail]

Plan of the Freehold and Leasehold Ground purchased by the Directors of the Sheffield Fire Office [George Street] 1810.

https://www.picturesheffield.com/frontend.php?keywords=Ref_No_increment;EQUALS;arc04119&pos=21&action=zoom&id=103819

 

Plan of certain property in George Street and Mulberry Street belonging to the Reverend J Alderson.1833. 

Also, property belonging to the Trustees of Sheffield Fire Office

https://www.picturesheffield.com/frontend.php?keywords=Ref_No_increment;EQUALS;arc04117&pos=19&action=zoom&id=103817

Marked: Enoch Barber, - Sherwin, late T. S. Hodgson, Joseph Brailsford, Fire Office, houses, warehouses, workshops, yards, pump, shop, and kitchen.