37 replies to this topic

[bernie]

I never thought I would ever be asking this question.....anybody collect firecracker labels on the forum? Don't really have anything to speak of myself but I think I've been bitten by the bug. Would be willing to trade some US labels for some UK labels.

[bernie]

Well I guess the answer is a big no on that one.

[Richard H]

I've thought about getting into it, but I don't think I would ever have the dedication to build up a good collection. However I am interested in getting a few British dummy fireworks. I was given a big bag full of inert stuff from Standard Fireworks from the final years of manufacture at Huddersfield.

[bernie]

It almost seems silly to collect old labels. There are some serious collectors out there though. Mostly I admire the older art work. I've had some pretty neat firecrackers but could not resist the temptation to let the kids run around and shoot them off.

Want to trade anything Honcho? The only thing that comes to mind that might be of interest to you is some PGI brand crackers.

[pyrotechnist]

Cool Richard how did you get them? Was it off Ronald Raply working there at the time? I get some things from him about firework building. How many inserts did you get? Do you know when Standard finished I can't find any where were it says. I once used to go around collecting spent tubes ones that were good though and using them I still do now like this year when my firework went off I used the tubes from it and cleaned them up and got 25 tubes in my bedroom well 24 now I took one apart. Did you go into any buildings and see anything there at the factory are you 15 or 20 years old to get them Richard.

[bernie]

I was just out bid on e bay. Cripes. It was fun though. Was after an old 'pack' of Dixie Boy brand crackers. They sold for just about $ 24.00.

The brand would indicate to those not familiar with the 'old days' that they were not manufactured yesterday.

Honcho, the only thing I have with the Standard name on it is some crackers. Square looking buggers wrapped with green twine. You wouldn't want to have one go off in your hand. The kids love em.

[Richard H]

Hello

I got them many years ago from one of the guys who worked on the Standard fireworks display crew. Never been to the factory myself but maybe one day I will go and have a look, it's literally 5 or so miles away.

[Richard H]

I was just out bid on e bay. Cripes. It was fun though. Was after an old 'pack' of Dixie Boy brand crackers. They sold for just about $ 24.00.

The brand would indicate to those not familiar with the 'old days' that they were not manufactured yesterday.

Honcho, the only thing I have with the Standard name on it is some crackers. Square looking buggers wrapped with green twine. You wouldn't want to have one go off in your hand. The kids love em.

Hehe, Annoying when that happens Bernie, Try going to http://www.hammersnipe.com

About those crackers, are they of Indian or British origin? There is still the Indian firm of the same name producing fireworks in the Sivakasi region. As for my dummy collection, I can't find the buggers! I will have a root around tomorrow and try and find them.

[bernie]

India. The hammersnipe thing is a great concept. Appreciate the advice.

Edited by bernie, 06 December 2003 - 12:24 AM.

[Mortartube]

Whilst it's not the real thing, you can view and print all sorts of labels here, (many actual size to make dummies). I just like to look at the 60's & 70's labels when three colours was about the limit of cheap printing and so imaginitive designs had to be used instead.

http://www.fireworkmuseum.co.uk/

[bernie]

Mr. Tube, Thanks for the good link(s). I've added it to my favorites and will check in every so often. Those guys are some serious enthusiasts. They might even need help.

[Mortartube]

I know Maurice Evans, he has to be the premier firework memorabilia collector in the U.K. He has Everything, I mean Everything! from 1920's Japanese daylight shells to the Iron LF symbols from the gates of Lion Fireworks who were in Lepton nr Huddersfield.

[bernie]

I'm not really looking for another obsession. An interesting diversion every so often would be pleasant though. I was able to purchase the same label that I was after much cheaper than my first attempt.

Are you a collector Mr. Tube?

[Rhodri]

Bernie, I have some labels you could have. Nothing too old I'm affraid but you're welcome to them.

[Mortartube]

I'm not a collector of memorabilia myself although I do like the styling of 1960's, 1970's labels as the designs required much more imagination using a limited printing process, rather than the photographic quality of many modern labels. I often have the nostalgia about frosty bonfire nights with a full moon in the sky etc just by looking at particular labels.