Posted 12 years ago
BillD
(53 items)
I recently found this extinguisher its a Knight & Thomas inc. Underwriters Fire Extinguisher No.7. I've done a fair amount of reasearch but was unable to find another like it. I have seen some that are close but not another with the same nozzle, This one has a nozzle with a valve. Does any one have any information such as date of mfg. and if the nozzel is original to the piece or if was added.
All I know is that it looks all original to me. Hold on to it, could be a one of a kind. I have a few of these old Extinguishers but nothing with this nozzle on them.
Knight and Thomas was indeed the manufacturer of this extinguisher and while it has a period nozzle/valve attached I'm not sure but believe it may be the original. The dates listed equate to the following patent numbers (you can google them): 537421, 589990, 598826 and 752399. The latest patent listing means the device couldn't have been made before Feb. of 1904. Underwriters is either a brand name or is affiliated with Underwriters Laboratories which at that time was still in its infancy. No. 7 is, I believe, a model number. Not sure when K&T were either bought out or went out of business but they may have been around into the 1920's. It is of the soda acid variety - invert to mix the chemicals to form carbon dioxide which produces the pressure to force the liquid out. I wouldn't suggest trying to load and operate it though, especially with a shut off valve as it could easily blow up. Nice piece of history. Enjoy!
Would it be possible to use the pictures you posted in a project I'm working on so that others may enjoy your find?
feel free to use the photos, and thanks for the info.
thats great , we use to get 4.00 a peice for those at the scrap yard 35 years ago ,