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Chicago & Northwestern Railway Fire Grenade
Specifications
Chicago & Northwestern Railway Fire Grenade
Category
Agriculture and Environment
Classification
CHENHALL - Tools & Equipment for Science & Technology - Regulative & Protective T&E - Protective Devices - Device, Fire Protection - Extinguisher, Fire
Object Origin
Producer:
Chicago & Northwestern Railway
Date Manufactured:
1871-1895
Physical Characteristics
Object Description: Elongated clear glass bottle containing a bright blue liquid. Horizontal text is embossed on the front.
Materials:
glass
Marks: "C.&NW. Ry."
Measurements: Object:
Length: 17.5 in, Diameter: 2.5 in
Weight: 2.2 lbs
Credit
Museum Purchase, 2009.9.4
Display Status
Not On View
Chicago & Northwestern Railway Fire Grenade
About: Chicago & Northwestern Railway Fire Grenade
About: Chicago & Northwestern Railway Fire Grenade
This “grenade” was an early fire-extinguishing device used by the Chicago & Northwestern Railway to combat fires on trains and in rail yards during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Typically a glass or ceramic container filled with a chemical, the fire grenade would be thrown at a fire, breaking upon impact and releasing a substance that could suppress or extinguish the flames. These grenades were part of an early effort to improve railway safety before modern fire fighting systems were developed. Today, they are considered collectible antiques and a reminder of the innovative safety measures used by railroads during that era.
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