| Description |
SHIPPING AVAILABLE > A brass fire extinguisher manufactured by Fyr-Fyter, measuring 18 inches long and 3.5 inches in diameter, complete with its rarely found wall bracket. This example features a hand-pump mechanism, an early and efficient design for portable firefighting tools. Despite partial damage to the attached metal plate, the branding and usage instructions remain identifiable, highlighting its functional and historical significance.
Hand-pump fire extinguishers, such as this example, were commonly used during the early-to-mid 20th century. These extinguishers relied on manually operated mechanisms, requiring the user to pump the handle to expel the extinguishing agent. Typically constructed of brass or copper, these extinguishers were prized for their durability and resistance to corrosion.
Hand-pump extinguishers like this were introduced during an era of industrial expansion, when fire hazards became a pressing concern for homes, factories, and transportation vehicles. Companies such as Fyr-Fyter and Pyrene specialized in manufacturing portable extinguishers to meet this growing demand. These devices were often filled with carbon tetrachloride, a chemical effective in extinguishing liquid and electrical fires but later discontinued due to health concerns.
A "Pyrene" fire extinguisher refers to a brand of fire extinguisher originally developed by the Pyrene Company, which gained prominence in the early 20th century for its use of carbon tetrachloride as the extinguishing agent; the key historical point is that a Scottish engineer initially patented the concept in the US, establishing the "Pyrene Company of Delaware" in 1909, later expanding to the UK as "The Pyrene Company Limited" where they produced a range of fire extinguishers utilizing this chemical compound, primarily known for its ability to create a dense vapor blanket to smother flames.
The Fyr-Fyter Company, established in the early 20th century in Dayton, Ohio, was known for its innovative fire safety equipment, including wall-mounted and portable extinguishers. The addition of the wall bracket for this model allowed easy access in emergency situations, enhancing its practicality. Brass construction, as seen in this extinguisher, was not only functional but also gave these tools an attractive appearance, making them popular for display purposes in modern collections.
CONDITION REPORT ~ Offered, as discovered, with a partial and damaged metal plate ~ Retains its original brass body and functional hand-pump mechanism ~ Includes the rarely found wall bracket, adding to its collector value.
Hand-pump fire extinguishers remain desirable among collectors and enthusiasts of firefighting history, prized for their craftsmanship and the technological advancements they represent in fire safety.
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