Buffalo Foam Fire Extinguisher Value Guide

The Buffalo Foam Fire Extinguisher is a quintessential piece of American industrial history manufactured by the Buffalo Fire Appliance Corporation in New York. These 2.5-gallon units are highly collectible due to their robust riveted copper construction and the unique chemical-foam inversion mechanism used during the mid-20th century.

What Is Buffalo Foam Fire Extinguisher Worth?

The typical price range for Buffalo Foam Fire Extinguisher is $165 - $180 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition of the copper patina; high-shine polished finishes or well-preserved natural oxidation significantly impact the $165-$180 price range.
• Presence and clarity of the original instructional etchings or the brass identification plate.
• Structural integrity, specifically the absence of major dents in the copper body or cracks in the brass nozzle.
• Completeness of internal components, though most collectors value these primarily for their exterior aesthetic as industrial decor.

How to Identify Buffalo Foam Fire Extinguisher?

• Look for the distinct Buffalo Fire Appliance Corporation embossed brass nameplate featuring the Buffalo, New York manufacturing origin.
• Verify the presence of a heavy riveted vertical seam along the copper body, characteristic of 1930s-1950s construction.
• Check for the original brass screw-top cap and the black rubber discharge hose with a tapered nozzle.
• Examine the base and top for authentic brass fittings that contrast against the primary copper cylinder.

History of Buffalo Foam Fire Extinguisher

Manufactured by the Buffalo Fire Appliance Corporation in Buffalo, New York, these extinguishers were essential safety equipment during the early to mid-20th century. Known as 'soda-acid' or chemical foam extinguishers, they functioned by being inverted, which mixed two chemical solutions to create pressure and expel the fire-fighting agent. Today, they are highly sought after as industrial decor and maritime collectibles.