Vintage Cast Iron Hook

This is a vintage cast iron fire mark, likely from the United Firemen's Insurance Company (UF) of Philadelphia, as indicated by the "UF" letters and the image of a fire engine. Purpose: Fire marks were affixed to buildings in the 18th and 19th centuries to indicate that the property was insured against fire damage by a specific company. Material: This particular mark is made of cast iron, a common material for these historical plaques. Significance: These marks served as a form of advertising for insurance companies and also alerted volunteer fire brigades that the property was insured, influencing their response.