Posted 13 years ago
cocacolaki…
(132 items)
I don't know if this is real old, or if it's new. I got this at an antique shop for $5, and the guy told me it was a cast iron replica of a revolutionary war badge. But I found out that INA was america's first home insurance agency, founded in 1792, and beared a eagle as it's "mascot". I'm guessing it was like a plate that went on a house, assuring it was protected by the insurance agency. But I have no freaking idea, does anybody have an idea?
http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/rare-eagle-fire-insurance-plaque-i-n-a-1792
Yeah I saw that, doesn't tell price because worthpoint makes you pay to see that value... greedy savages they are. :(
plus i'm starting to think that this is fake because it's in too good of shape, and it is in worse quality.
does it seem painted? It seems too two-toned.
it is painted, gold and black
That would be my first clue into a remake.
so it is?
can't be 100% but everything you said points to it. Is that a marking on the back?
no, its not
I concure, it appears to be a repro, just not enough detail.
that's what I thought, thanks for all the info.
It's alright, just sold it at a grage sale for .50 cents. It wasn't to big of an investment. I bought 3 years ago, and I was just getting new to the collecting world. So, lesson learned, when it doesn't have wear, or just looks to new, and has a low price, don't buy it thinking it's real.
Yes, it is indeed a copy!
INA ( Insurance Conpany of North America ) now CIGNA since 1982 has produces hundreds or even thousands of these to give to brokers and agencies!
I myself have worked as an underwriter for INA for 31 years!
I have an INA 1792 eagle plate - has some markings on the back and no paint on the front - looks old
I have one too my dad found it in a ditch like 8 years ago
i have a very similar one also,i found it from the wtc rumble i was a cop ,they must of had an office there.
I believe I have the real thing. It was among my grandfathers things when he passed away 45 years ago.
He was a dentist in Upper Darby, right out side of Phila, and was into antiquing those many years ago.
But mine is made of lead....I am sure of it. Where it was nailed to the house, the holes have stretched to about an inch long. It is very heavy and soft...painted black. I have carried it with me since. Would like to sell it .
Any ideas?
I believe you have a replica of a "firemark" since the original would be made of lead. Firemarks were an indication that the structure was insured. the firemark would be placed at the apex of the roof under the eaves so that it would be visible to firemen. It is widely believed that if the fire was put out soon enough to save the firemark, the firemen would be paid a reward, although probably not true. Since it would imply that without a firemark the firemen would leave without putting out fhe fire or if the building had a firemark the firemen would take more risks to extinguish the fire. You can start your search at this website...good luck! http://www.firemarkcircle.org/Auction2006/auction-2006.htm