Antique Fire Extinguisher

Antique GuardX Canadian Fire Grenade

Nov 11, 2017 @ 10:23


 

What’s inside An Antique Fire Extinguisher Grenade?

During their heyday, Victorian-era homeowners adorned their homes with an antique fire extinguisher such as a fire grenade. This antique fire extinguisher was meant to be thrown into flames (like a grenade) hard enough to shatter and let the substance inside quench the fire. The first patent for a fire grenade was given to Alanson Crane around the 1870s. The ones created before the 20th century usually had a saltwater solution. Many fire grenades made after 1900 were filled with carbon tetrachloride – a substance that is highly toxic to the lungs, liver, kidneys, and brain. This substance is banned today. Since today’s fire extinguishers are filled with about 1kg of foam, it’s clear extinguishing technology has come a long way over the past century.

Antique Fire Extinguisher Hayward's Hand Fire Grenade
Hayward’s Hand Fire Grenade

Back in the 1870s, you would throw a glass bulb full of liquid to douse a fire. These days, fire extinguishers look pretty similar and industrial. However, the fire extinguishers of old were arguably works of art in their own right. These bulbs were made between 1870 – 1910 and were known as fire grenades.

Designs & Manufactures of Antique Fire Extinguisher

Fire grenades were relatively small devices, measuring about 6-8 inches tall with a round body and slim neck. They featured patterns in the glass and usually also had the name of their manufacturer. Some of the more famous manufacturers include Harden Hand Fire Extinguisher Company of Chicago, Hayward’s Hand Fire Grenade of New York City, Babcock Hand Grenade, and the Dri-Gas Fire Extinguisher Company of Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Collecting Fire Grenades

Fire grenades are hot collector’s items today. Many of the devices are absolutely stunning to look at since colors like cobalt, green, amber, and crystal were common in the manufacturing process. Harden produced a fire grenade in 1889 that featured three separate glass sections of cobalt blue, amber, and clear glass. This is one of the most sought-out fire grenades. Since over 200 companies made fire grenades, there’s a lot of surviving examples out there that are often found hanging in vintage kitchens.

Be careful Handling Fire Grenades

Glass fire grenades that still hold the original Carbon Tetrachloride should be handled very carefully. A HazMat team was forced to deploy to a New Hampshire antique store after a grenade with the dangerous substance broke in the shop. Everyone had to be evacuated and the resulting clean up took several hours.

Where can I find an Antique Fire Extinguisher?

They’re also spotted at estate sales, auctions, antique houses, and glass shows. Collectors have also found many fire grenades in the basements of old churches as well.

What can I expect to spend on an Antique Fire Extinguisher?

The average price of a fire grenade varies based on its condition and rarity. Some of the more common ones usually fetch about US$ 75, while a rarer one might get up to several hundred dollars. Ones that are still filled and sealed usually command much higher prices, sometimes well into the four figures.

Conclusion

Hunting for antique fire grenades can be an interesting experience. Their beauty and historical provenance can make them a welcome addition to a home’s decoration, or an interesting addition to a collection of fire-related memorabilia.

This Vintage Pyrene Steel Hand Water Pump 2.5 gallon fire extinguisher is for sale for $45 at Moore Old Signs and Antiques Crowley, Texas

Pyrene Steel Vintage Hand Pump 2.5 gallon Fire Extinguisher
Pyrene Steel Vintage Hand Pump 2.5 gallon Fire Extinguisher
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