Preliminary identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
This is a striking industrial floor lamp creatively upcycled from an authentic mid-century 2.5-gallon chemical fire extinguisher. Crafted from heavy-gauge copper with a prominent embossed brass instructional plate, it retains its original red-painted cast iron cap and rubber hose, topped with a modern brass lamp harp assembly.
Story
In the early 20th century, these heavy copper tanks were standard safety gear in American schools and factories. To operate them, you literally had to flip the entire heavy canister upside down to mix the internal acid and soda. Today, it serves as a brilliant beacon of industrial history.
Maker / Origin
The Buffalo Fire Appliance Corporation was a premier American manufacturer of firefighting equipment, active from the early 1920s through the mid-20th century. Based in Buffalo, New York, they were renowned for producing rugged, highly reliable apparatus ranging from handheld copper extinguishers to full-sized motorized fire engines.
Condition & Value
The copper body shows a warm, attractive patina with minor scuffs, shallow dings, and light oxidation consistent with age and industrial use. The brass plate is highly legible with some paint loss in the recessed lettering, and the original red paint on the cast iron cap shows minor chipping.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.