PAIR OF ANTIQUE KYL-FYRE DRY POWDER FIRE EXTINGUISHERS – c.1910s–1920s

These look to be a particularly nice matched pair. Kyl-Fyre was established by at least 1909–10, and a 1912 advertisement lists Kyl-Fyre Ltd, 12 Elms Buildings, Eastbourne, with a London office at 7 Mark Lane, EC. The company promoted its dry-powder extinguishers for country houses, motor cars and motor boats, and a Kyl-Fyre example is held in the Science Museum Group collection.

Sold as a matched pair may sell separately please contact us for pricing etc

50 cm tall

8 cm round

PAIR OF ANTIQUE KYL-FYRE DRY POWDER FIRE EXTINGUISHERS – c.1910s–1920s

A wonderfully evocative pair of early 20th-century Kyl-Fyre fire extinguishers, retaining their original red finish, period typography, instructional labels and integral hanging loops.

Produced by Kyl-Fyre Ltd of Eastbourne, these fascinating early dry-powder extinguishers were designed to be suspended from a firm hook ready for use. In the event of a fire, the cylinder was opened and its contents thrown forcefully towards the base of the flames – the surviving label rather splendidly instructing: “Throw the contents with force into the base of the flame – never sprinkle.”

Kyl-Fyre was an early British manufacturer of fire-fighting equipment operating from 12 Elms Buildings, Eastbourne, with a London office at 7 Mark Lane. The company was advertising its extinguishers by the early 1910s for use in homes, country houses and the rapidly growing world of motor cars and motor boats. Kyl-Fyre dry-powder extinguishers are now recognised pieces of early fire-fighting history, with an example represented in the Science Museum Group collection.

What makes this offering especially appealing is that the two have survived together. Their strong red, black and cream graphics have developed a wonderfully time-worn appearance, with genuine surface wear, fading, oxidation, scratches and losses consistent with their considerable age and utilitarian working life. Both retain their characteristic metal hanging tabs.

Far from detracting, the ageing gives them exactly the sort of untouched industrial character collectors and interior stylists look for. Displayed together, they would make an excellent addition to an industrial, workshop, garage, motoring or social-history interior.

WHY WE LOVE THEM

It is the graphics that really make these. The bold KYL FYRE lettering, uncompromising operating instructions and beautifully aged red finish immediately transport you back to the early decades of the 20th century. Finding two together makes them particularly decorative.

CONDITION

Authentic antique condition with substantial age-related wear throughout, including surface corrosion, fading, paint and label losses, scratches, marks and general oxidation. Please study all photographs carefully as these form an important part of the description.

These are sold strictly as historical decorative/collectable objects. They have not been tested and must NOT be relied upon or used as working fire extinguishers. The cylinders should not be opened and any surviving original contents should not be disturbed.

A superb pair of early British fire-fighting collectibles with genuine industrial patina and plenty of social-history interest.

All descriptions are given to the best of our knowledge and research. Antique and vintage items will naturally show signs of their age and previous use.