Antique Japanese Firefighting Hand Pump Ryutosui Copper Brass Extinguisher Tool

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Antique Japanese Hand Pump Fire Extinguisher – Ryūtōsui Firefighting Tool

This is an antique Japanese portable hand pump fire extinguisher, known as Ryūtōsui (竜吐水), dating from the late Meiji to early Showa period. These firefighting tools were widely used in towns and villages before the spread of modern fire engines, and they played a vital role in early community fire prevention. The long cylindrical body is crafted from copper and brass, with beautiful natural patina that has developed over time.

The pump was operated manually: one end was placed in a water source such as a well or bucket, and firefighters would pump vigorously to spray water onto flames. Today, it serves as a rare and authentic relic of Japan’s firefighting history, appealing to collectors of antique tools, museums, and enthusiasts of Japanese cultural heritage.

Features

• Material: Copper and brass with natural patina

• Traditional Japanese hand-pump firefighting tool (Ryūtōsui)

• Cylindrical body with original fittings and perforated water intake section

• Rich patina and aged surface that highlight its historical authenticity

• A rare example of early Japanese fire prevention technology

Uses

• Originally used by fire brigades for manual water pumping during firefighting

• Today suitable as a collector’s piece, museum display, or decorative object representing Japan’s Meiji–Showa era craftsmanship and daily life

Size

• Length (main body): 132.5 cm

• Total length: 208 cm

• Diameter: 5 cm

• Weight: 2.1 kg

Condition

Antique condition with age-related wear, verdigris (green patina), scratches, and oxidation consistent with long-term use and storage. These features add to its historical character and authenticity.