"Fine Arts" Does Not Include Wall Plaques

A fire totally destroyed a VFW post's building and personal property, for which the insured was paid the policy limits. One part of the claim involved a submission of oak wall plaques that held brass plates etched with the names of current and past members. We feel that these plaques should fall within the definition of "fine arts" found in the policy: "Fine Arts means paintings, etchings, pictures, tapestries, art glass windows, valuable rugs, statuary, marble, bronzes, antique silver, manuscripts, porcelains, rare glass, bric-a-brac, and similar property, of rarity, historical value or artistic merit."

The post is certainly an institution in the community to which belong men and women who served their country and who share or shared in significant events as affecting the community and their country. The oak plaques and brass nameplates were the post's property, and the post had the responsibility for replacing them.