Fire Extinguisher Value & Price Guide

Vintage fire extinguishers are highly sought-after artifacts that blend industrial design with firefighting history. Collectors prize these pieces for their intricate brass labels, polished copper bodies, and the evolution of fire safety technology they represent.

Price Range: $150 - $200 based on recent sales

History of Fire Extinguisher

The history of portable fire extinguishers dates back to the late 19th century with the invention of glass 'fire grenades' like those produced by Harden, which were designed to be thrown at the base of a fire. As technology progressed into the early 1900s, manufacturers like Fyr-Fyter and Elkhart Brass pioneered the use of copper and brass canisters utilizing chemical reactions to create pressure. During the mid-20th century, the industry shifted from these aesthetically pleasing polished metals to more utilitarian steel and aluminum designs. This transition marks the boundary for most collectors, who typically focus on the 'golden age' of brass and copper equipment produced between 1900 and 1950.

Value Factors for Fire Extinguisher

The typical price range for Fire Extinguisher is $150 - $200 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Material composition, with polished copper and heavy brass units commanding higher prices than later steel models.
• The presence of rare manufacturer names or specific regional fire department engravings.
• Overall condition of the metal, specifically the absence of deep dents, heavy corrosion, or over-polishing that removes embossed text.
• Age and rarity, particularly 19th-century glass grenades or early 1920s soda-acid models in original condition.

Tips for Buying Fire Extinguisher

• Check for original brass identification plates, as missing or illegible labels significantly reduce the item's historical value.
• Verify that the unit has been properly decommissioned and emptied of pressurized contents or hazardous chemicals like carbon tetrachloride.
• Prioritize extinguishers with original mounting brackets or glass grenades that remain unbroken and filled with their original fluid.
• Look for 'Soda-Acid' or 'Inversion' types from the early 20th century, as these often feature the most ornate embossed detailing.

Items in This Collection

• Red Comet Fire Extinguisher
• Red Star Fire Extinguisher
• Elkhart Brass Fire Extinguisher
• Elkhart Fire Extinguisher
• Harden Hand Grenade Fire Extinguisher
• Brass and Copper Fire Extinguisher
• Harden's Hand Grenade Fire Extinguisher
• Underwriters Fire Extinguisher
• Alert Fire Extinguisher
• General Detroit Fire Extinguisher
• Vintage Fire Extinguisher
• Fyr-Fyter Fire Extinguisher
• Phister Fire Extinguisher
• Buffalo Foam Fire Extinguisher
• Kontrol Fire Extinguisher
• Kidde Soda-Acid Fire Extinguisher
• Firex Fire Grenade
• Ranger Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher
• Fyr-Fyter Brass Fire Extinguisher
• Copper Fire Extinguisher Value & Price Guide