Fire Extinguisher

Q: How I can find the age of this Pyrene Soda Acid fire extinguisher? It was made in Toronto, Canada.

A: Soda acid fire extinguishers were patented in the United States in 1881. The extinguishers use sodium bicarbonate and sulfuric acid to put out “Class A” fires—burning paper, wood, cloth, and some plastics. Pyrene Manufacturing Company was founded in Delaware in 1907. The company expanded to London and Canada in 1914. Chubb and Sons took over Pyrene in 1967. The Underwriters Laboratories decommissioned soda acid fire extinguishers in 1969 because they did not meet current requirements. Look for a patent date, model number, or serial number on the cylinder that can help date the extinguisher. Your fire extinguisher has some paint loss. Some unrestored soda acid extinguishers sold recently for $25 to $50. Restored and polished brass extinguishers sold for $100 to $150.