Sun Fire Insurance Certificate, 1835

Sun Fire Insurance Certificate, 1835. Engraving showing the Sun Fire Office emblem, and on one side a company fireman with an axe, and on the other a man, also wearing the company's 'sun' insignia, carrying a large sack full of goods. A fire engine is portrayed in the background. Firefighting in London was largely carried out by the fire insurance companies who organised brigades to protect the properties insured by them. The firemen wore distinctive uniforms and there was great rivalry among the companies to be the first at a fire in order to secure the best supplies of water and to advertise the protection they offered. Printed by Norris & Son (Blomfield Street, London Wall, London). ©SSPL/Science Museum