These days, relics of mining history are sought after by collectors…blasting machines, lamps, helmets, signs, etc ….This includes, of course, dynamite boxes.
Over the years I have been fortunate enough to find examples of all sorts of mining stuff to add to my personal collection. Usually I restore such items or at least clean them up for display….I generally opt to preserve rather than alter them like others often do. This post is about a couple of deviations from that, specifically with regard to old dynamite crates.
The term “dynamite box” (or crate) is a little misleading. “Dynamite” is certainly the most recognizable name of explosive the world over…but many different blasting agents were packaged this way. Nonetheless, much like “Xerox” and “Coke” have become generic as well as brand specific names… “Dynamite” is also known generically for any explosive in stick form.
From the 1800’s up to modern times, many mining operators have received their choice of explosive packaged in wood crates or heavy fiberboard cases. As was typical practice of miners, especially in remote areas, nothing was simply discarded. These old wood boxes–if not simply burned for fuel (a no-no, by the way) in the stove to heat the cabin, often got repurposed into something else.
Several years ago I found a bookcase made from three such boxes fastened together and fitted with a door. It must have been an old job of repurposing as it had layers of old type (re: lead) paint. I opted to leave the paint on it rather than attempt to clean it up as it looked good and was part of its history. It is a neat bookcase that has been proudly used for some of my technical books for quite some time.
Not too long ago I began to kick around finding a suitable carrying case for my Theremin. Yes, I play the Theremin. Well….not exactly “play”…maybe “play with” is more correct as my musical talent is not worthy of calling me a Thereminist….such people have a true talent and can actually make beautiful music with this instrument. I cannot. My ability is more akin to the guy who used one to make the sound effects for a variety of 1950’s science fiction B-rate movies. Nevertheless, I do have fun with it. Of course, I do not have a usual off the shelf Theremin. Mine is a handmade, vacuum tube type, that is built into a trapezoidal shaped cigar box with six 12AU7’s and an Edcor transformer sticking out of it. The knobs are genuine 1950’s vintage knobs that I hunted up from early Tektronix oscilloscopes. I am a geek.
So it occurred to me that an old dynamite box, once lined with foam padding and fitted with brass hardware and a door, would make an awesome case for this thing. As an added bonus, once the unit is removed and the antennas fitted and cabled up to a suitable amplifier to play through, the box will make a good stand for it as well. Cool!
So while here in Grand Junction, Colorado it seemed appropriate to hunt up a box. I found one. As it turned out, the gentleman who sold me the gas pump doors for my neon project had a bunch of dynamite crates because he makes end tables out of them. I took a look at one of his end table projects in progress and decided that I need one. Very rarely do I go ga-ga for furniture, but this is cool.
Granted, I could make one myself. ….but part of respecting an artist’s work is a willingness to buy from said artist rather than just go home and copy the work. So I know that in addition to the box he sold me to make my Theremin case I will be purchasing one of his end tables with the internal shelf and half-hinged top….because they are a “dynamite idea!”
You may call yourself a geek but you are the best!
I’d love to see what sort of music can be played on a Theremin when you return!
Well, calling what I can do with it music might be overly generous….however I will be happy to show you. Until then, you may wish to Google a few artists and groups such as Clara Rockmore, Lydia Kavina, or The Radio Science Orchestra…they are all great and can do justice to this wonderful instrument.
Thank you for the ideas for using dynamite boxes. Question: Does it lessen or enhance the value for resale if the box(es) are finished? If finishing, do you have a recommendation for the finish? Thank you.
I believe it really comes down to the specific box…is it a very rare brand or example?…or is it more common or in not such great shape to begin with. I like to keep things as original as possible and only alter them as little as needed…ideally, to me at least, is to make alterations that can be undone if so desired. Generally, a perfect all original box should be worth as much or more than an altered one–unless the alteration allows for some function or desirability to a specific buyer. Not exactly a definitive answer, but such things are very subjective. As for finishing–I prefer to use a clear varnish to just seal and protect the wood rather than anything to alter the color of it. Ultimately, keep in mind that the monetary aspects should always be secondary to what you are trying to achieve with the piece–if it pleases you, do it. The only caveat I can think of to that is to avoid irreparably altering some rare and historic example of whatever you are using as the basis of the project. I would avoid altering pre-WWII boxes if possible…but in general, old dynamite boxes from brands like DuPont, Atlas, and Hercules are common enough that they should be available pretty easily and cheaply. Thank you again for your interest and I hope my long-winded response was at least helpful. Sincerely, Robert
Robert,
I am starting to collect DuPont Dynamite boxes. My first was from my grandma and was here potato box on our Colorado farm in Greeley. I saw you knew a guy in Grand Junction that sells boxes. Can you put me in contact with him please. My email is Schwade@comcast.net
Thanks very much,
Dennis S
Vancouver, WA
There was a gentleman in Delta who had a few and might still… I will look for his card and email you the information if I find it. Thank you for your interest!
sincerely,
Robert