1355. (advertisement) The Improved Harden Star Grenade Fire Extinguisher c.1887. Illustrated London News. March 19, 1887. Full page 11” x 16” disbound. In the late Nineteenth Century the Life Saving Service and Light-House Establishment, realizing the risk of fire in their remote wooden stations, ordered that many stations be delivered Harden Star Fire Grenades. For example, in the National Archives, Miscellaneous Letter Files for May 15, 1885, there is a U.S. Life Saving Service requisition to deliver to the Collector of Customs, Boston, 18 dozen Harden Star Fire Grenades for the Second Life Saving District, with the notation to issue twelve grenades to each station. Similarly, on the Life Saving Service property return form listed under fire extinguisher are such “hand grenades”. Fire grenades originated in England during the late 18th century. The fire grenade was a bottle made of thin and very fragile glass designed to be thrown on the fire and to break easily. The contents were aimed at the base of the fire to quench the flames, and the grenades were designed to be light and easily handled. Grenades could be found in homes, hotels, factories, schools, trains and other commercial buildings around the turn of the century. Harden Star Grenades were patented just before the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. There were two sizes, pint and quart, with pint being the most common, measuring about 6” or so in height. Colors were mostly shades of blue in the pint size. Although earlier grenades contained carbon tetrachloride, these late 1800’s bottle-style fire grenades contained a saltwater / brine solution. Most such grenades were made after 1870 and continued in use until about 1910. These bottles are quite rare since they were made to be destroyed. They are often ornate and come in striking colors, so they are very sought after by collectors. This large quarter-page original advertisement from a period publication, boasts on the upper half that the Harden Fire Extinguisher is “The best, cheapest, and only reliable Hand Fire Extinguisher in general use throughout the World.” This is a rare item, sought after by fire collectors and others and would be the perfect addition to your life saving station or lighthouse, for display next to your Harden “Star:” Fire Grenade. Shown are the rare sets of two and three grenades in wire basket designed for hanging. Clean and crisp, perfect for framing. (VG+). $84.