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AI Appraisal
Description
Because of Ben Franklin's theory that trees attracted lightening, causing fires to spread and hampered fire fighting equipment, insurance companies used to refuse to issue policies for buildings surrounded by trees. The tree fire mark, issued in 1784 by the 40 members of the Philadelphia Contributorship which split off and formed the Mutual Assurance of Philadelphia symbolized their opposition to the accepted belief of the day.
Items depicted: Front of Tree Fire Mark and Back of Tree Fire Mark
Category
General Antiques and Collectibles
Medium
Not sure--may be iron
Condition
Good
Size and dimensions of this item
Oval--12-1/4" long; 8-1/4" wide
Date Period
1784
Weight
Heavy
History
The tree fire mark was issued in 1784 by the 40 members of the Philadelphia Contributorship which split off and formed Mutual Assurance of Philadelphia
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