Firebacks

Description: Arched rectangular shape; moulded top edge with undulating floriate border within fillets intersecting at the corners; in each corner a rose; along the bottom, the motto Multi Societate Tutiores - With many more safe; within the border, shield, supporters and crest

Notes: Blazon: Argent, upon a rock issuant from the base proper, inscribed 1824 in gold numerals, a quadrangular castle also proper, pennons flying to the sinister from each tower gules; crest: In front of flames proper issuant from a coronet of four roses argent, barbed and seeded proper, set upon a rim Or, two keys in saltire, wards upwards, sable; supporters: On the dexter side a lion guardant Or, resting the sinister hind leg on an escutcheon argent charged with a rod of Aesculapius gules, and on the sinister side a like lion resting the dexter hind leg on an escutcheon argent charged with an anchor sable. The Alliance Assurance Company was founded in 1824 and merged with the Sun Insurance Company in 1959. The arms were granted in 1933. An openwork version of this fireback (i.e. with the background voided) was formerly displayed outside its offices. Christie's auction, London, sale no.7006, 19 May 2005, lot 34 (£384).

Inscription: MVLTI SOCIETATE TVTIORES

Arms: Alliance Assurance Company