Red Comet Automatic Fire Extinguisher Value Guide

Manufactured by Red Comet Inc. in Littleton, Colorado, these ruby red glass fire grenades are iconic pieces of mid-century safety history. They are highly collectible due to their vibrant color and the dangerous history of their chemical contents, which were once considered a miracle suppressant.

What Is Red Comet Automatic Fire Extinguisher Worth?

The typical price range for Red Comet Automatic Fire Extinguisher is $25 - $35 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition of the paper label, as intact graphics significantly increase the item's display value.
• Presence of the original wall-mounting bracket, which completes the 'automatic' fire suppression set.
• Whether the glass remains sealed with its original contents, though shipping filled grenades is often restricted due to chemical hazards.
• The clarity and color depth of the ruby red glass, free from chips, cracks, or heavy scuffing.

How to Identify Red Comet Automatic Fire Extinguisher?

• Look for the distinct bulbous ruby red glass shape designed to shatter upon impact or heat exposure.
• Check for the original paper labels or metal mounting brackets featuring the Red Comet Inc. branding from Littleton, Colorado.
• Verify the presence of the original liquid, though many have been drained due to the toxicity of the carbon tetrachloride.
• Examine the glass for the embossed 'Red Comet' name often found on the base or side of the grenade.

History of Red Comet Automatic Fire Extinguisher

Manufactured by Red Comet Inc. in Littleton, Colorado, these 'fire grenades' were popular in the early to mid-20th century. They were filled with carbon tetrachloride, a chemical once thought to be a miracle fire suppressant but later banned in the 1950s due to its extreme toxicity and production of phosgene gas when heated.