Philadelphia Contributionship Fire Mark

The Philadelphia Contributionship for the Insurance of Houses from Loss by Fire is the oldest property insurance company in the United States. It was organized by Benjamin Franklin in 1752; incorporated in 1768.

Four clasped hands, thumb up, representing the community helping each other.

From the Milton Celsnick Collection of Penn's Landing, Philadelphia.

An old label states that this plaque was removed from 322 Delancey Street, Philadelphia.

Note the "Rose Head" Nail which helps to date the piece as original.

Fire mark: Lead hands mounted on a wood board With Benjamin Franklin and volunteer firemen as principal organizers of the city’s first insurance company in 1752, the symbol of the four crossed hands on wood suggested both the idea of mutual support and the company’s relationship with the volunteer fire companies. In the event of fire, it was thought that the company’s badge, or mark, would enlist the assistance of fellow mutual policyholders who shared equally in losses and the four-handed fireman’s carry would remind the volunteer fire companies that fellow volunteers were policyholders. In addition, gilded hands on a black painted board served as advertising for the new insurance company. (Fireman's Hall Museum - https://www.firemanshallmuseum.org/fire-marks/)

marks exactly like this one were being made in 1775- https://www.philadelphiabuildings.org/contributionship/essay-past.cfm