“The Richmond Chemical Fire Extinguisher,” manufactured by the Richmond Chemical Company, Silver Spring, Maryland, probably in the early 20th century. It is a metal tube, 22 inches long and 2 inches in diameter, with a metal ring on the top end. The directions for use are printed on the tube: “Hang on Strong Hook [when not in use]. Pull Down Quickly Thus Opening the Tube. Hurl the Powder Forcibly With Sweeping Motion Into Base of Flames. NEVER SPRINKLE. For Flue Fires: Throw a Few Handfuls Up Any Opening Below the Fire. HARMLESS to Person and Fabric.”
This is a tubular dry-powder fire extinguisher. A number of fire extinguishers were invented over the centuries, using compressed air, water, gasses, chemicals or a combination thereof. (I hate to do this, but I’m going to link to the wikipedia page, rather than attempt to summarize the many different types of antique fire extinguishers myself.) In the late 19th century the glass “fire grenade” was a popular choice for home and business, but some varieties were filled with poisonous vapors. The dry-powder extinguisher was a (presumably) less dangerous option. An 1886 advertisement for a British “dry powder tube” extinguisher extolls the wonders of this new discovery; the directions for use are almost identical to our American extinguisher here.
However, I’ve been able to find little else about this particular style of extinguisher in my research so far. I’ve also found almost nothing about the Richmond Chemical Company of Silver Spring. It appears to be in Richmond, Virginia [sensibly enough] in 1897; it is in Silver Spring by 1937, when the company placed a want ad – looking for “experienced salesmen for a real money making article” – in the February and March issues of Popular Mechanics. However, no company by that name appears in the 1949 phone book (although there are four other companies listed under “Chemicals,” two in Washington and two in Prince George’s County). I’ve had no luck, so far, with references to the company between 1897 and 1937. Annoyingly, there are no patent dates on the can (and a quick search of Google Patents found nothing similar to this item); the only extra bit of information is a tiny label telling me that the American Can Company made the metal tube. There have been many “American Can Companies” over time, but perhaps ours was made by the one in the Canton area of Baltimore, which adopted the American Can name in 1901.
We purchased this item on eBay, which as mentioned in the fishing game post has its limitations; we can’t ask the donor for additional information or history. This is one of those items that requires occasional poking around in spare moments, and I can always use suggestions for new poking-around resources. Any readers have insight into either this type of fire extinguisher, or the Richmond Chemical Company’s history in Silver Spring?
July 21, 2010 at 3:28 pm
Hey, SSHS bid on that and lost to you!
July 22, 2010 at 7:34 am
Oh, uh, sorry! You have a good memory for lost ebay bids. You know where it is if SSHS ever needs to borrow it!
September 19, 2010 at 11:55 pm
i just bought an extinguisher like the one pictured,only manufactured by richmond chemical co tulsa oklahoma.looks like they were in at least two different locations.
September 20, 2010 at 8:56 am
Hmm,interesting! Richmond to Tulsa seems like quite a jump. Thanks for sharing your find!
November 3, 2010 at 7:24 pm
I have recently acquired an extinguisher just like the one pictured. I wouldn’t imagine selling it, however it would be nice to know, how much did it sell for? Any answer’s or information would be appreciated
November 8, 2010 at 12:25 am
I have one of these extinguishers with a Tulsa, OK manufacturer also. I got this from my dad years ago and just recently ran across it again. I was going to list it on e-bay and was trying to find some info on it when I ran across this site. Any additional info would be helpful.
November 19, 2010 at 12:24 pm
Unfortunately, everything I was able to find on the company and on the type of extinguisher is already in this blog post, so I don’t have any additional information to give – sorry!
November 15, 2010 at 10:24 am
I have a dry chem extinguisher, its from the Badger Chemical Co. out of Milwaukee, WI. It’s called “The Mitchell Fire Extinguisher” Its one of the tubular kinds as well. 22″ long and 2″dia. Although mine isnt in a good condition at all. These seem to be made in a variety of places.
December 18, 2010 at 7:53 pm
Stephen I have the same ext. you have. Mine is in pretty good shape, can read everything on it and it has ever been used. It is still full of Dry Chamical. Would have any clue as to it worth.
Thanks
December 7, 2010 at 5:09 pm
I HAVE THE SAME FIRE EXTINGUISHER NEW NEVER OPENED. WHAT IS IS WORTH?
December 8, 2010 at 8:43 am
I’m sorry, I really don’t know. good luck!
January 17, 2011 at 9:44 pm
I have the same type of canister which was manufactured by “H.W. Johns-Manville Co” with New York. Milwaukee listed on the canister. I inherited by my grandfather which he had in his barn. Have been unable to find any information on it as well.
February 20, 2011 at 1:49 pm
Actually I found this post today when researching the exact same type you have except this one is showing it was “Manufactured By Aetna Fire Appliance CO” of Philadelphia, Chicago and Lincoln (NE). This unit shows a Patented of June 14th 1904. Where these came from was an old house so I’m also on the hunt. Hope if you learn more you please update this post and I’ll post back if I find now.
July 15, 2011 at 5:24 pm
I just found one of these. It’s in excellent condition!
On the tube it says, Patented June 14, 1904
Hang on Wall in Concenient Place
Hands Off For Fire Only
“The Aetna always ready fire extinguisher”
Directions Take the tube from the wall and throw compound with quick sweeping motion into base of flames ALWAYS THROW WITH FORCE Manufactured by the Aetna Fire Appliance Co. Philadelphia Chicago Lincoln. Price, – – $3.00
H.L. Burt
Manager Western Territory
1231 O Street
Lincoln, Nebraska
October 12, 2011 at 3:21 pm
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July 20, 2012 at 8:34 pm
i have one made by United Manufacturing Co. Toledo, Ohio
July 25, 2012 at 2:02 pm
Mine is fromThomas Laughlin Co.in Portland, Maine. I would like to find out what it is worth.
July 26, 2012 at 9:13 am
I have no idea what it’s worth. I donated the one we had to a firefighter’s museum.
July 26, 2012 at 9:29 am
I have several items that I used for a fireman’s room. I am going to donate some things and try to sell the rest.
September 22, 2012 at 1:11 am
whats the value on this extinguisher i found one in a storage unit its sealed but not in mint condition. what do you think??
September 22, 2012 at 10:49 am
Sorry, as a museum we are not able to suggest values for artifacts. I would keep an eye on internet auction sites to see if similar items are selling, and a professional appraiser if you need a formal valuation.
March 4, 2018 at 9:43 pm
I have one made by Peerless, on the bottom there is a tiny inscription that says something about Oct 1886