Need cleaning advice

Hi Pappy,

This is not a question about a metal detecting find, but I thought you may be able to help me out. I have an old ?? American LaFrance fire extinguisher that I think is made of copper and brass. It is pretty oxidized, and I was wondering if you had any advice on how to restore the finish. Any value??

Thanks
HJ

[PAPPY]

HJ, Is it possible to post a pic. of it? I had one similar at one time and I know what you are talking about BUT I would like to see a pic and I can tell you more about cleaning and restoring it.
The brass and copper will not be hard to clean...Does it have any writing or decals on it at all?
Can let you know more when I see a pic..THANKS..PAPPY

Sure Pappy, I'll get you a pic. It has a huge metal plate on the front with a ton of embossing. Thanks for the quick response!

HJ

[PAPPY]

Looking forward to seeing it...THANKS...PAPPY

While my daughter desparately seeks my camera download cable........

The front says:

ALERT
Fire Extinguisher

To start
turn bottom up

then charging instructions

Made by
American LaFrance Fire Engine Co. Inc.
ELMIRA N.Y.

Hi Pappy,

Finally got my camera cable back......................

Here are the pics I promised of the extinguisher..............

http://www.putfile.com/historyjunkie/images/63301

Thanks again Pappy,

HJ

[PAPPY]

HJ, Yours does not have any decals on it and was made in the mid 1900's.

The brass parts of the extinguisher can be cleaned with Brasso.

Make sure you tape off the copper parts first with masking tape or better yet Painters Tape (Will not stick). After the Brass parts are cleaned tape them off and clean the copper with a mild copper cleaner ( You can find this at you local super market in the household supplies. If you can't find it there check with you local hardware. They should have it and if they don't they can get it. Copper cleaner comes in a liquid form ( in a can) and is not expensive at all. If you want to replace the rubber hose ( If it is dryrotted) you can probably get a new length of hose at the hardware store or check with your local Extinguisher Company. Most places have Companies that fill extinguishers. You can check the yellow pages.
This extinguisher should clean up to be a BEAUTIFUL Extinguisher.

When you finish with it PLEASE repost a picture to let us see how it turned out...PAPPY

Pappy,

I'll be sure to post the "after" pic when I finish it. Thanks a million Pappy!

HJ

[Sly]

Wow! That will look great anywhere. and clean up nicely. Pappy's right, but he left out the elbow grease.