eBay seller skutz9741 was offering a AutoFyrStop fire grenade with original mounting bracket, frosted glass, complete with labels for an opening bid of $50. Prices might start as low as $25 for a Red Comet and range higher to $2,000 and more for more rare examples. Of course, you always want to know who you are buying from. One example: Reproduction HardenвЂ™s Star Fire Grenade Extinguishers are marked with the letter вЂњRвЂќ on the base. Some reproductions are not intended to deceive and are sold as such. Does it look too perfect? Maybe the lip is too smooth, or on some, the seam runs the entire length of the glass grenade, whereas the originals might have applied necks with the seam stopping at the shoulders of the piece. Those that are not authentic are, many times, made of thicker glass. Reproductions, as with any collectible, can be a problem but there are things to look for. And there are those engrossed in the broad spectrum of antique fire fighting items. Their vivid colors and interesting shapes allow them to display well. Collecting pieces from specific manufacturers holds great appeal some of the rather ornate models address the interests of those fancying Victorian items. Those interested in collecting glass would enjoy these rather unusual fire extinguishers, for their variety of shapes and sizes common shapes were bulbous, teardrop and round they could also be in the form of a rolling pin. Vintage fire grenades hold an attraction for many collectors. It wasnвЂ™t until 1954 that NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) stated in its Fire Protector Handbook that the вЂњhand grenade fire extinguisher was no longer acceptable to the Underwriters Laboratory.вЂќ Aside from the dangers from broken glass, the carbon tetrachloride decomposed at high temperatures producing a toxic gas, Phosgene. The glass extinguishers were manufactured well into the 1950s. Production of fire grenades tapered off after 1905 with the advent of the modern brass and copper fire extinguishers.ДЄ beautiful vertical ribbed fire grenade in blue glass. Another popular illustration depicted a watchman, armed with a basket, similar to those used in carrying milk bottles, filled with fire grenades, attacking a fire he discovered while on his rounds. In one such example, two young girls were confidently attacking a fire, in what appears to be the parlor of a Victorian era home, with the grenade extinguishers, although the blaze appeared out of control the text below stating with the use of their grenade вЂњвЂ¦.fire cannot exist for a moment.вЂќ The price, $10 per dozen. HaywardвЂ™s made effective use of illustrations in their newspaper advertisements. Text highlighted the popularity and effectiveness of their products.

The grenade manufacturers werenвЂ™t shy about claims attested to in their advertisements. The Larkin Company produced fire grenades that were filled with an extinguishing powder, instead of liquid contents, which was released in a swinging motion over the flames. A number of the grenades were only 4 inches tall, but as a rule, the grenades, including a narrow neck, were between 6 and 8 inches tall. A rainbow of colors was available varying shades of aqua, amber and clear, others were green and cobalt blue these last two colors are more highly sought after. Some even resembled cut crystal-a perfect accessory for the Victorian mantle. Image courtesy of Early American History Store Early American History Store lists this fire grenade for $295. A smaller fire grenade example, stands just under 4вЂќ has a fractured texture look, with shades of green running through it.

Fire ball extinguisher