Harden Glass Fire Grenade, circa 1885

01

Artifact Overview

Glass fire grenades, like this one, were a common type of fire extinguisher used in the 19th century. The glass globe was filled with liquid chemicals intended to suppress a small fire. The user hurled the grenade at the base of the fire and, ideally, the glass broke open and the liquid extinguished the flames.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Fire extinguisher

Date Made

circa 1885

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

30.1495.31

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Glass (Material)
Wire

Color

Blue

Dimensions

Height: 6.5 in
Diameter: 4.25 in

Inscriptions

Hardens Hand Fire Extinguisher Grenade Patented No.1 Aug. 8 1871 Aug 14 1883
Harden Glass Fire Grenade, circa 1885