Old Firecrackers and DOT Stuff

[VintagePyro]

Hope you Enjoy!

http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/s464/geckodome/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpstjfwn9dr.jpg
http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/s464/geckodome/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps3khrs2ed.jpg
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http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/s464/geckodome/Fireworks%20-%20OLD/CL6%20TB%20Red%20Crackers_zpsamkusker.jpg

http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/s464/geckodome/Fireworks%20-%20OLD/CL6%20TB%20Flying%20Fairy%2080-16s_zpshodcmx97.jpg
http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/s464/geckodome/Fireworks%20-%20OLD/CL6%20TB%20Flying%20Fairy%2080-16s%20SIDE_zpsrjnzisfj.jpg

[VintagePyro]

http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/s464/geckodome/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpseid9gf5r.jpg
http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/s464/geckodome/Fireworks%20-%20OLD/2%20Inch%20Vs%201%201.5%20Inch_zpsyjymqeg9.jpg

http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/s464/geckodome/Fireworks%20-%20OLD/Roller%20Coaster%205-800%20Brick_zpsrfftvk8v.jpg
http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/s464/geckodome/Fireworks%20-%20OLD/5-800%20vs%2080-16%20brick_zps29wyo8ji.jpg

http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/s464/geckodome/Fireworks%20-%20OLD/Apollo%20of%20the%20Ozarks%20-%20%20Smoke%20M80_zpszniewbj6.jpg
http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/s464/geckodome/Fireworks%20-%20OLD/Apollo%20of%20the%20Ozarks%20-%20Color%20Smoke%20M80_zpssuvgycxu.jpg

[VintagePyro]

http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/s464/geckodome/Fireworks%20-%20OLD/Angel%20-%20Chaser_zps5x0raki0.jpg

http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/s464/geckodome/Fireworks%20-%20OLD/Red%20Rat%20Bricks%2024-6s_zpsrm9zs2m4.jpg

http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/s464/geckodome/Fireworks%20-%20OLD/Display%20Case_zpsprbxb8m3.jpg

[VintagePyro]

http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/s464/geckodome/Fireworks%20-%20OLD/CL5%20and%20CL6%20Pack%20Display_zpsqpodoyf9.jpg
http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/s464/geckodome/Fireworks%20-%20OLD/Heard%20of%20Hot%20Giraffes_zpsnp6cb9eg.jpg
http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/s464/geckodome/Fireworks%20-%20OLD/Horse%20-%20Snowflake%20Sprayer_zpsbmqfxnns.jpg
http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/s464/geckodome/Fireworks%20-%20OLD/ICC%20Class%20Anchor%20packs_zpsfs1mos0p.jpg

[VintagePyro]

http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/s464/geckodome/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsq9h2ssom.jpg

[boomstick]

cool stuff

[displayfireworks1]

Thanks for posting these pictures. Its always fun to look at this old stuff. To help us understand some of the terminology you collectors use. Is that firecracker with the loop fuse called a "Lollipop Fuse"?

[VintagePyro]

I've seen them referred to as looped or doubled fuse. I'm pretty new to collecting so I'm not the best at all the specifics with a lot of stuff.

[VintagePyro]

This is an interesting read on the m-80 Apollo of the Ozarks smoke devices.
http://newsgroups.derkeiler.com/Archive/Rec/rec.pyrotechnics/2006-08/msg00919.html

[displayfireworks1]

I checked out that link you posted, great find. i am going to review it in more detail later this week when I have more time. We are back on the early days of the M-80 trail.
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https://buym80firecrackers.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/m80.jpg?w=510

[thechemist45]

I have them there white and are nice I also have M80s Spray and Apollo full bag of M70 in red and silver and a bag of M80s tubes a lot of those were recently made and sold on ebay You literally can't tell the difference

[Waverider]

I recently found some old fireworks at a mom and pop shop. I'm not really a collector, but I enjoy them. While I know of them, my knowledge is minimal. I made a couple of videos of my finds (mostly firecrackers). I'm sure that most of the stuff is either old or no longer available.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQmpxb_KAaQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2JeXtDAQG0

[Shooter]

Curious as to what the storage regs are for these collector's items. I noticed your display cases. That seems to be a major fire hazard if stored in the home.

[countryboy7978]

I'm not a lawyer but here is my interpretation. For the majority of the pyrotechnics that are DOT Class C/UN0336, there are typically no storage regulations. These items are considered to be consumer goods, just like any other potentially dangerous household product would. Now if you live in a state or locality that bans the possession of consumer fireworks then you might run into some trouble if they are found. Fireworks are not a fire hazard since they need fire to ignite, however in the event of a fire they could pose an increased hazard, as would a garage full of aerosol paint cans. Consumer fireworks do not mass detonate under normal circumstances and would just function normally during a fire. They might even help wake you up if the smoke alarm doesn't. Some of the potential downfalls are that fire response may not enter a building with active explosions going off. So they may let your residence burn until it's determined to be safe. Insurance may not cover illegal activity so this is something that you would have to check, but typically unless you were running a bootleg business (and they could prove it), storing a legal consumer product should not be an issue. That being said, it's wise to store your fireworks away from where you sleep, although a few bricks on a display shelf would not pose an issue.

As far as the age of many of the items in the above video. They are at most 20 years old. There were no fireworks items labeled as UN0336/1.4G prior to the mid 1990's. Also most firecrackers had a shorter warning that did not state rules against taking the strings apart, shooting inside containers, or carrying in pockets. Most of them used the verbiage Caution - Explosive, rather than the elevated Warning - Explosive as well.

The box of Celebration Crackers is likely newer stock with crackers that are sealed with clay on the fuse end, and possibly also on the bottom. The white circle used to contain a logo and is left blank, most likely because the Horse or Tiger Head factory was long dissolved by the time they were produced and boxed. They just use the same graphics. The Tiger Head brand Thunder Bombs do say DOT Class C and are likely crimped. You can usually tell by looking for a cavity at the bottom of the crackers through the glassine wrapper. If they are flat, then they are sawn and contain clay. This is a sign that they are very late DOT (Early 1990's) or UN (1994 - current).

[Shooter]

I'm not a lawyer but here is my interpretation. For the majority of the pyrotechnics that are DOT Class C/UN0336, there are typically no storage regulations. These items are considered to be consumer goods, just like any other potentially dangerous household product would. Now if you live in a state or locality that bans the possession of consumer fireworks then you might run into some trouble if they are found. Fireworks are not a fire hazard since they need fire to ignite, however in the event of a fire they could pose an increased hazard, as would a garage full of aerosol paint cans. Consumer fireworks do not mass detonate under normal circumstances and would just function normally during a fire. They might even help wake you up if the smoke alarm doesn't. Some of the potential downfalls are that fire response may not enter a building with active explosions going off. So they may let your residence burn until it's determined to be safe. Insurance may not cover illegal activity so this is something that you would have to check, but typically unless you were running a bootleg business (and they could prove it), storing a legal consumer product should not be an issue. That being said, it's wise to store your fireworks away from where you sleep, although a few bricks on a display shelf would not pose an issue.

As far as the age of many of the items in the above video. They are at most 20 years old. There were no fireworks items labeled as UN0336/1.4G prior to the mid 1990's. Also most firecrackers had a shorter warning that did not state rules against taking the strings apart, shooting inside containers, or carrying in pockets. Most of them used the verbiage Caution - Explosive, rather than the elevated Warning - Explosive as well.

The box of Celebration Crackers is likely newer stock with crackers that are sealed with clay on the fuse end, and possibly also on the bottom. The white circle used to contain a logo and is left blank, most likely because the Horse or Tiger Head factory was long dissolved by the time they were produced and boxed. They just use the same graphics. The Tiger Head brand Thunder Bombs do say DOT Class C and are likely crimped. You can usually tell by looking for a cavity at the bottom of the crackers through the glassine wrapper. If they are flat, then they are sawn and contain clay. This is a sign that they are very late DOT (Early 1990's) or UN (1994 - current).

Thanks for your interpretation, countryboy. I realize the firecrackers wouldn't represent a fire hazard for the reasons you stipulated. My wording was wrong in that what I meant, was the potential for a fire with the fireworks in the home would lead to some of the situations you expressed. Most collectors of anything like showcasing their finds. It just seems to me that this form of collection would require the bulk of your wares to be stored away for all the reasons you outlined. Thanks.

[VintagePyro]

I wouldn't keep these items in an area where fire is present (kitchen, if I smoked inside my home etc). Like Adrian said though, it's no more hazardous than the cans of aerosol cleaners, paint etc we all have in our homes. Same could be said for storing ammunition. As long as you common sense and exercise caution I don't see it posing a risk.

Now if I was lucky enough to have boxes of M80s and Cherry Bombs I might store them differently. Especially given the legality of owning those items federally. My boxes are empty reproductions.

[displayfireworks1]

Here is another reason to belong to the Pyrotechnic Guild International. They will ask the questions we need to know. The ATF will provide them with an accurate answer (most of the time depending who is in charge of the ATF at the time LOL). The PGI publishes the answer for all of us to see. The ATF recognizes the role of the PGI representing the pyro hobbyist . In the process we learn something without having to stick our own necks out..
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I have to admit when the PGI first ask the ATF this question I was initially upset they ask it. I now feel differently and see more of how things are handled. I cite all of this from memory and someone can correct me if I am wrong. The question was along the lines of what is the proper storage of old firecrackers prior to 1976 or thereabouts. The ATF responded all firecrackers regardless of year they were permitted to be sold if they contain more than 50 mg of composition must be stored in an approved magazine and are subject to all the record keeping etc. WHAT are you serious? Unfortunately the answer is yes. This is the reason a few collectors will not allow me to visit them and video their collection. Can this be true that one pack of old firecrackers should be in an approved magazine. The answer is yes. If that has changed please feel free to comment.
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What is my take on all of this? Based on anecdotal reports from collectors and sellers the ATF has not cited anyone for collecting or selling old firecrackers.They eye balled this coming in and out of the PGI conventions and don't comment. I am sure they have bigger fish to fry as the saying goes. What will change that? The day something destructive is done with old firecrackers.
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As far as keeping old firecrackers in your home. I don't see it as any different than keeping regular consumer fireworks around your house. Having 10 cases of 500 grams in your basement may make you a little nervous if it stays there more than one week. The same will hold true for large collections of old firecrackers.

[countryboy7978]

The above is true Dave according to an ATF newletter from several years ago. I've seen plenty of fireworks businesses have old salutes in display cabinets and some of these businesses sell 1.3G so ATF is regularly there.