Pump (1) - Pyrene - Pyrene brandblusscher - 1920-1930





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Pyrene metal hand-pump extinguisher, model Pyrene brandblusscher, one item, renovated original authenticity, 47 cm high, 7.5 cm wide and 9.5 cm deep.
Description from the seller
This is an antique copper/brass 'Pyrene' pump fire extinguisher, produced around the turn of the 20th century (ca. 1910–1950).
Operating & Design
Manual pump: Unlike modern extinguishers, this was not under continuous pressure. By turning the T-shaped handle on top a quarter turn ("For Use: turn handle to the left and pump!") you unlock the piston, after which you manually pump a liquid jet from the nozzle.
Application: These compact extinguishers were extremely popular in cars, trains, ships, and workshops due to their handy size.
Extinguishing Agent & Important Safety Warning
These extinguishers were originally filled with tetrachloro carbon (carbon tetrachloride / CTC).
Toxic: When heated on flames, this substance forms the highly toxic gas phosgene (a warfare gas from WWI). Inhaling the vapors or the liquid is extremely harmful to the liver, kidneys, and nervous system.
What to do? Never use this device as an active fire extinguisher. Check that the extinguisher is empty. Do not shake it and do not try to force the pump open if there is still liquid inside.
Decorative and Collectible Value
Today this is a cherished decorative and collectible object within industrial and vintage aesthetics. By polishing the brass (or leaving the authentic patina as is) it becomes a beautiful historical piece.
This is an antique copper/brass 'Pyrene' pump fire extinguisher, produced around the turn of the 20th century (ca. 1910–1950).
Operating & Design
Manual pump: Unlike modern extinguishers, this was not under continuous pressure. By turning the T-shaped handle on top a quarter turn ("For Use: turn handle to the left and pump!") you unlock the piston, after which you manually pump a liquid jet from the nozzle.
Application: These compact extinguishers were extremely popular in cars, trains, ships, and workshops due to their handy size.
Extinguishing Agent & Important Safety Warning
These extinguishers were originally filled with tetrachloro carbon (carbon tetrachloride / CTC).
Toxic: When heated on flames, this substance forms the highly toxic gas phosgene (a warfare gas from WWI). Inhaling the vapors or the liquid is extremely harmful to the liver, kidneys, and nervous system.
What to do? Never use this device as an active fire extinguisher. Check that the extinguisher is empty. Do not shake it and do not try to force the pump open if there is still liquid inside.
Decorative and Collectible Value
Today this is a cherished decorative and collectible object within industrial and vintage aesthetics. By polishing the brass (or leaving the authentic patina as is) it becomes a beautiful historical piece.

