Red Comet Fire Grenade Value Guide

The Red Comet Fire Grenade is a fascinating relic of early 20th-century fire safety, manufactured in the United States between 1920 and 1950. These glass vessels are highly collectible due to their distinct bulbous shape and their historical role as precursors to modern pressurized extinguishers.

What Is Red Comet Fire Grenade Worth?

The typical price range for Red Comet Fire Grenade is $75 - $125 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition of the glass, including the absence of chips, cracks, or clouding, significantly impacts the $75-$125 price range.
• Presence of the original liquid and intact seals increases rarity, though it requires careful handling due to toxicity.
• Completeness of the set, specifically if the original metal wall bracket and instructional labels are still attached.
• Color and clarity of the glass, with vibrant red or clear examples often fetching higher prices from collectors.

How to Identify Red Comet Fire Grenade?

• Look for the 'Red Comet' branding embossed directly on the glass or printed on original labels.
• Identify the spherical or bulb-shaped glass vessel, which was designed to be thrown or mounted in specialized brackets.
• Check for the presence of the original metal mounting bracket, which often accompanied these units for automatic deployment.
• Verify the era by the specific glass color and the presence of the original liquid contents, typically carbon tetrachloride.

History of Red Comet Fire Grenade

Before modern pressurized fire extinguishers, glass grenades filled with fire-retardant liquids were common. The Red Comet brand was a prominent manufacturer, producing these spherical or bulb-shaped glass vessels. They were often mounted in brackets in homes and businesses, intended to be thrown at the base of a fire, or, in some designs, automatically burst when exposed to high heat. The extinguishing agent was typically carbon tetrachloride, a substance now known to be toxic. These devices represent an interesting, albeit hazardous, chapter in fire safety history.