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Insurance companies once formed their own fire brigades, and this was how property was protected until the early 1900s. Policy holders were given a badge, or fire mark, to affix to their building. If a fire started, the Fire Brigade was called. They looked for the fire mark and, provided it was the right one, the fire would be dealt with.
This fire insurance mark on Mariners was issued by the County Fire Office,1807-1906, and features a figure of Britannia with a shield and lion, With COUNTY below. Over the years layers of paint have covered the detail.