DuPont Explosives Crate Value Guide

This vintage DuPont explosives crate is a rugged artifact of American industrial history, originally used to transport 50 pounds of 40% strength Special Gelatin. Produced between 1930 and 1950, these crates are highly collectible for their bold stenciled branding and their connection to the E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company legacy.

What Is DuPont Explosives Crate Worth?

The typical price range for DuPont Explosives Crate is $150 - $200 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Legibility and completeness of the stenciled branding, specifically the DuPont logo and explosive type.
• Structural integrity of the wood, including the presence of the original lid which significantly increases rarity.
• Overall patina and lack of excessive wood rot or insect damage from storage in mining or construction environments.
• Historical provenance or specific regional markings that link the crate to a particular mining operation or project.

How to Identify DuPont Explosives Crate?

• Look for the distinctive stenciled 'DuPont' logo and 'Special Gelatin 40% Strength' markings on the side panels.
• Verify the 50-pound capacity designation typically found on the end panels of the wooden structure.
• Examine the construction for period-correct finger-jointed corners or heavy-duty nailing consistent with 1930-1950 industrial standards.
• Check for the presence of original red or black ink used for the industrial safety warnings and branding.

History of DuPont Explosives Crate

E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, commonly known as DuPont, was founded in 1802 as a gunpowder mill. By the early 20th century, it had become the world's largest manufacturer of explosives. This crate represents a period when such materials were widely used in mining, construction, and other industrial applications across the United States. These crates often featured distinctive stenciled branding, making them collectible today as artifacts of American industrial history.