| Soda-Acid Extinguishers (Steel) |
$75-$150 |
Common, restored examples |
| Brass Extinguishers |
$200-$500 |
With original fittings and good patina |
| Copper Models (e.g., "The Childs") |
$300-$600 |
Higher value when polished and complete |
| Fire Grenades (Common) |
$25-$300 |
Red Comet and similar models |
| Fire Grenades (Rare) |
$500-$2,000+ |
Colored glass and unusual designs |
| Wheeled Extinguishers |
$1,000-$1,600 |
Industrial models from pre-1940 |
| Antique Extinguisher Lamps (Converted) |
$200-$400 |
Depending on craftsmanship of conversion |
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Age and Rarity
Generally, older extinguishers from the late 19th century to early 20th century tend to be more valuable. Models with limited production or from lesser-known manufacturers often command premium prices among serious collectors.
Material and Construction
The materials used significantly impact value:
- Copper and brass models are typically worth more than steel
- Hand-crafted details and ornate fixtures increase value
- Original manufacturer badges and markings add premium value
Condition
The condition of an antique fire extinguisher is perhaps the most important factor in determining its value:
Condition Assessment Checklist
Use this checklist to evaluate the condition of your antique fire extinguisher
Completeness
Complete extinguishers with all original parts intact are worth significantly more than those missing components:
- Original wall brackets can add $50-$100 to value
- Original hoses, nozzles, and gauges are essential for maximum value
- Factory labels or decals in good condition enhance value considerably
Brand and Manufacturer
Certain manufacturers are more collectible than others:
- The Childs Fire Extinguisher Co.
- Pyrene Manufacturing Company
- American LaFrance
- Buffalo Fire Appliance
- Elkhart Brass Manufacturing
Look for Manufacturer Markings
The manufacturer’s name is typically stamped, cast, or printed on the extinguisher body. Common vintage manufacturers include:
- The Childs Fire Extinguisher Co.
- Pyrene
- Buffalo Fire Appliance
- American LaFrance
- Knight & Thomas
- AUTOFYRSTOP
Find the Date Code
Manufacturing dates can be located in several places:
- Look for a two-digit or four-digit number stamped into the bottom of the cylinder
- Check for date codes printed directly on the cylinder
- Examine around the neck of the extinguisher, sometimes under plastic rings
- Inspect under the plastic boot of the extinguisher
Identify the Type
Determining the type of extinguisher can help narrow down its age:
- Soda-acid models (with distinctive upside-down handles): Popular from 1900-1940s
- Fire grenades (glass bulbs): Common from 1870s through early 1900s
- Carbon tetrachloride pump models: Popular from 1920s-1950s
- Early pressurized models: Began appearing in the 1950s
Research Patent Dates
Many extinguishers include patent dates, which provide a “not earlier than” date for the manufacture. Remember that the extinguisher itself may have been made years after the patent date.
Consult Collector Resources
For difficult-to-identify models, consider:
- Joining collector groups, like the Antique Fire Extinguishers & Accessories Facebook group
- Consulting specialized reference books on firefighting equipment
- Visiting firefighting museums for comparable examples
Online Marketplaces
eBay: Currently the most active marketplace for antique fire extinguishers, with hundreds of listings ranging from $50 to several hundred dollars.
Etsy: Particularly good for decorative or repurposed extinguishers, such as those converted to lamps (which can sell for around $400).
Specialized Collector Forums: Sites like Collectors Weekly connect sellers directly with serious collectors who appreciate rare models.
Auction Houses
For valuable or rare models, traditional auction houses may be appropriate:
- Regional auction houses often include fire extinguishers in estate or antique tool auctions
- Specialized auctions focusing on firefighting memorabilia occur several times per year
Specialty Dealers
Several dealers specialize in firefighting collectibles:
- Antique firefighting equipment shops
- Industrial antique dealers
- Decorative antique sellers for ornate brass and copper models
Direct to Collectors
The Antique Fire Extinguishers & Accessories Facebook group and similar online communities connect sellers directly with collectors interested in specific models.
Chemical Hazards
Many antique fire extinguishers contain chemicals that are now known to be hazardous:
- Carbon tetrachloride models contain toxic chemicals that can cause liver and kidney damage
- Soda-acid extinguishers may still contain caustic materials
- Fire grenades often contained carbon tetrachloride or salt solutions
Disposal Recommendations
If you plan to empty an old extinguisher:
- Never dispose of chemicals in regular trash or down drains
- Contact your local Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) facility
- Consult your fire department for proper disposal procedures
- Consider professional emptying services for collectible models
Display Safety
For collectors displaying antique extinguishers:
- Store in temperature-controlled environments away from direct sunlight
- Consider having valuable models professionally emptied and sealed
- Keep out of reach of children, especially glass fire grenades
- Never test or attempt to discharge antique extinguishers
The Value Debate
In general, collectors prefer original condition with authentic patina for most antique fire extinguishers. However, there are exceptions:
- Brass and copper models often benefit from gentle cleaning to showcase their metalwork
- Severely damaged extinguishers may regain value through careful restoration
- Decorative purpose extinguishers often undergo polishing and conversion (e.g., into lamps)
Preservation Tips
If maintaining original condition:
- Avoid harsh cleaning chemicals or abrasives
- Use a soft cloth to remove dust
- Store away from humidity and temperature fluctuations
- Apply museum-quality wax to protect metal surfaces
- Document any original markings or labels before cleaning
Restoration Guidelines
If restoration is necessary:
- Research the original appearance through collector resources
- Use period-appropriate materials and techniques
- Document the original condition before restoration
- Consider consulting a professional for valuable models
- Be aware that improper restoration can reduce value
Common Questions About Antique Fire Extinguisher Values
Is there any value in old fire extinguishers?
Yes, antique fire extinguishers can be quite valuable. An old fire extinguisher is often sought by collectors for its unique design and historical significance. Common soda-acid extinguishers typically sell for $100-$200, while rare copper or brass models can fetch $300-$600 or more. Wheeled fire extinguishers from the 1930s have been listed for up to $1,600 at auctions, and rare fire grenades can sell for $2,000+.
The value depends primarily on the extinguisher’s age, material (brass/copper vs. steel), condition, completeness of original parts, and rarity of the model or manufacturer.
How to date an antique fire extinguisher?
Dating an antique fire extinguisher involves several methods:
- Look for manufacturing dates stamped on the bottom of the unit, which may appear as a two-digit or four-digit number
- Check for date codes printed directly on the cylinder
- Examine under the plastic ring around the neck or under the plastic boot
- Research the manufacturer’s markings against historical records
- Identify the type of extinguisher (soda-acid models were common from 1900-1940s, while fire grenades were popular from the 1870s through early 1900s)
- Look for patent dates, which provide a "not earlier than" date for manufacture
For difficult cases, consult collector groups like the Antique Fire Extinguishers & Accessories Facebook group or firefighting museums with reference collections.
What to do with a 40-year-old fire extinguisher?
For a 40-year-old fire extinguisher, you have several options:
- If it’s collectible: Research its value using this guide and consider selling it to collectors if it’s a desirable model
- If it’s not particularly valuable: Dispose of it properly at a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) facility, as fire extinguishers contain chemicals unsafe for typical waste management
- Never discharge old extinguishers, as the chemicals can be dangerous
- Contact your local fire department or city hall for specific disposal instructions in your area
- Some fire equipment companies offer disposal services for old extinguishers
Remember that fire extinguishers over 40 years old should never be relied upon for fire safety and should be replaced with modern units for protection.
How can I tell how old my fire extinguisher is?
To determine the age of your fire extinguisher:
- Look for date stamps on the cylinder body—these may be near the bottom, shoulder, or neck of the extinguisher
- Check for printed dates on the extinguisher label
- Examine under any plastic components, such as the ring around the neck or the boot
- Research the manufacturer and model—certain designs were only produced during specific decades
- Look for patent dates or UL listing dates, which provide a minimum age
- For brass and copper models, the design style and construction methods can help approximate age
- Consult reference books on firefighting equipment or online collector resources
If you can’t find obvious date markings, posting clear photos to collector forums often yields helpful identification assistance.
Are antique brass fire extinguishers valuable?
Yes, antique brass fire extinguishers are generally more valuable than their steel counterparts. Brass extinguishers typically sell for $200-$500 depending on condition, completeness, and manufacturer. The decorative appeal of polished brass makes these extinguishers particularly desirable for both collectors and decorators.
Models with ornate detailing, clear manufacturer markings, and complete original components command premium prices. Brass extinguishers from well-known manufacturers like The Childs Fire Extinguisher Co. or Buffalo Fire Appliance are especially sought after.
For maximum value, brass extinguishers should retain their original fittings, gauges, and wall brackets, though a natural patina is generally preferred to over-polished examples.
What are fire grenade glass balls worth?
Antique fire grenade glass balls vary significantly in value based on their color, design, and rarity:
- Common Red Comet fire grenades typically start around $25
- Average colored glass grenades in good condition sell for $100-$300
- Rare examples with unusual colors or designs can fetch $500-$2,000 or more
- Complete sets with original wall brackets or holders command premium prices
- Fire grenades with their original fluid still inside (though not recommended for safety reasons) may be valued higher by some collectors
The most valuable fire grenades tend to have deep, vibrant colors, distinctive shapes, clear embossing of manufacturer names, and no chips or cracks. Early examples from the 1870s-1890s generally command higher prices than later mass-produced versions.
Who buys old fire extinguishers near me?
To find buyers for old fire extinguishers in your area:
- Contact local antique shops that specialize in industrial or vintage items
- Visit firefighting museums, which sometimes purchase items for their collections
- Check with decorators and interior designers who use vintage items for commercial spaces
- Post on local marketplace platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist
- Attend antique shows or flea markets where dealers may be interested in purchasing
- Search for firefighting memorabilia collectors’ clubs in your region
- Contact movie prop houses if you’re in areas with film production
When selling locally, bringing clear photos and any history of the extinguisher can help establish its value and attract serious buyers.
External Resources for Antique Fire Extinguisher Collectors
Conclusion: Are Antique Fire Extinguishers a Worthy Investment?
Antique fire extinguishers represent a fascinating niche in the collectibles market that combines industrial history, decorative appeal, and firefighting heritage. While they may not reach the value heights of some antique categories, certain rare models, particularly ornate brass and copper examples, continue to appreciate in value.
For collectors, the most investment-worthy pieces tend to be:
- Early fire grenades in rare colors and perfect condition
- Pre-1920 brass and copper extinguishers with complete original components
- Wheeled extinguishers from major manufacturers
- Models with documented historical significance or provenance
Whether you’re considering selling an inherited fire extinguisher or building a collection of these unique artifacts, understanding their history, identifying key value factors, and properly assessing condition are essential to determining their worth in today’s market.
Remember that while value is important, these items also preserve an important chapter in the history of public safety and industrial design—making them not just collectibles, but tangible connections to our shared past.
