Original antique Illinois Powder Manufacturing Company blasting caps tin, marked “100 No. 6 Strength”, produced in St. Louis, Missouri. A classic example of early American mining and industrial explosives packaging.
This tin features a bold red background with gold lettering and the distinctive “ILLINOIS” trade mark banner, making it an eye-catching and highly displayable piece.
Condition:
Honest vintage condition with age-appropriate wear:
→ Surface scratches and paint wear
→ Edge wear and minor scuffs
→ Graphics remain strong and fully legible
→ Solid structure with good display integrity
Approximate Size:
~3–4 inches wide (see ruler in photos for reference)
Historical Significance:
The Illinois Powder Mfg. Co. was a key supplier of blasting materials during the expansion of American mining, railroads, and infrastructure in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Tins like this were used to safely store detonators and are now sought-after relics of that era.
Why collectors like this piece:
→ Classic red & gold colorway (high display appeal)
→ Strong, centered label with minimal fading
→ Recognizable Illinois Powder branding
→ True mining-era industrial artifact
Perfect for:
→ Mining & gold rush collections
→ Industrial / railroad history displays
→ Antique advertising collectors
→ Western Americana décor
A genuine and increasingly hard-to-find piece of early American mining history.
