Posted 9 years ago
brissle
(2 items)
I have found an antique Hardens Hand Grenade Fire Extinguisher amongst possessions we are clearing from a relatives house in the UK.
Those words are embossed around the middle. This blue glass bottle is sealed, has liquid inside and has a star shape embossed on one side and the word star in the middle.
There is no serial or model number embossed on the base. Can anyone please tell me when this was manufactured and where? Google research says that it was made in the USA so how come we have one in England? Are they rare? The only (few) images I can find all have a number on the bottom.
My son is a firefighter in New Zealand and is very interested. Could be the start of a collection for him...... if I'm allowed to ship it over there !
We are very interested and would be grateful if anyone can help, please.
Sorry, I also meant to ask whether anyone can tell me what is the liquid inside?
Thanks
Welcome to CW.
John J. Harden took out a US patent on his version (US282981) on August 14, 1883. The grenade was, at that time, filled with carbonic acid or sodium bicarbonate. This version became the most popular in the US, and so in 1884 they registered the design in Britain (RD 10490 on 31 July 1884) and began to sell their grenades in Britain. By the late 1890s, the grenades are being advertised and sold at 40s per dozen with an address at 104 Cannon Street, London E.C.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwPsHq1SSA0
That's great information - thanks. And a good video. Is there any way I can identify the actual age of my bottle? Because it has no serial number embossed on the bottom, does that mean it's an early one?
I'm assuming that this was made and sold in England, as you describe.
Thanks again
Possibly a US import, as no design number. Rare?? I can't say, but given the use, and the prices one sees on t'internet, not exactly common. Nice piece of history, however.
Thanks, verretcheque, for all that info.
I just looked it up on ebay and they do seem to command a decent price. But not many around on any UK websites.
I'm advised that shipping to New Zealand would probably not be allowed by customs.
You could ship it by mail but the liquid inside would have to be drained out. Some later Grenades contained Carbon Tetrachloride, a very dangerous liquid that would pose a danger to anyone nearby that would be subjected to the fumes. RER(BOB)
Yes - I think it's not destined to go the NZ - would be a shame to spoil an otherwise intact antique object by breaking the seal to drain it.