Red Comet Fire Extinguisher

Post by **coaledsweat** » Mon. Dec. 05, 2016 8:59 pm

Anyone ever see or use one of these? Interesting piece. Handy in an emergency I would bet.

http://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/11281-red-comet-fire-extinguishers

freetown fred · Post by **freetown fred** » Mon. Dec. 05, 2016 9:21 pm

My Dad used to keep them in the maintenance barn back when--of course us kids had to lob one just for curiosity sake--they stink!!!!! AND, that don't go away for quite a while--Ya know them thar wide belts State Troopers used to wear, might still?? YEP, them suckers hurt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

warminmn · Post by **warminmn** » Mon. Dec. 05, 2016 9:23 pm

I see them at auctions fairly often and they sell well. I have no idea how well they work but I know an auctioneer who refuses to ship them as theres something in them on the forbidden list, at least thats what he said. They look pretty cool and there are wall mounts made for them.

freetown fred · Post by **freetown fred** » Mon. Dec. 05, 2016 9:24 pm

It called carbon tetrachloride I believe.

bksaun · Post by **bksaun** » Mon. Dec. 05, 2016 10:10 pm

carbon tet is correct, discontinued many years ago due to the fact the are a strong carcinogen. We find these in older homes in this area.

They came with a metal shelf with holes in it so you could mount it on the wall for easy access.

Be best not to use one, just get a bucket of water. Interesting antique though

Sunny Boy · Post by **Sunny Boy** » Mon. Dec. 05, 2016 10:29 pm

Carbon tet was also a solvent used in the dry cleaning industry. You could buy pint cans of it. We always had a can at home to remove stains from clothing.

And there were carbon tet fire extinguishers that you hand pumped. Used to sometimes still see them on power boats when I was a kid. Now, they are often collected by antique car owners, as an authentic assessor.

Here's more about it - including the red comets.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_tetrachloride

Paul