Question:
I have an old copper and brass BADGER fire extinguisher that has been cleaned, polished and clear coated to prevent discoloration. The patent dates on top are from 1900 to 1903. I was wondering if anyone knew how much these old extinguishers are worth???

Answer: Looks like you've lucked out with one of the few desirable brands. Value depends on size, but take heart guys- here, smaller is better. Badgers are priced higher in the "Pony" size- about 18" high ($75-$100), vs the standard 2.5 gallon size which is about 30"+ high ($40-$65). This is mainly because people convert the smaller ones into a table lamp base. The most I ever got for Badger Ponys was 2 for $ 230.00 because they were sold as a matched pair and both were hand stamped at the skirt with "Property of Boston Public Schools." Except for Elkhart, which has a very pretty 3-D front plate, most of the regular size ones go for $25-$50 even when cleaned up. They are usually tagged higher here, but are often discounted at settle up time. There is one local picker that hits flea markets with a pickup load and within an hour they are blossoming all over the place and he's gone home empty by 9AM and the dealer can tote them from there. In general these appliances don't have much value. They are often sold as a "Guy Thing" like a lot of other polished copper/brass items (faucets, wrenches, try-squares, etc.) probably to balance off a shopping spree where he didn't see any sense in all the china and chintz but this made things even. They are basically a back hall, basement or factory item- part of the building utilities system and, unlike the fancy glass fire grenades, were never meant to be a part of the living quarters. But then, as the lady said after kissing a pig, there's no accounting for taste.