Box of Squibs

Object/Artifact

-

West Virginia Mine Wars Museum

Name/Title

Box of Squibs

Entry/Object ID

MW.0168

Description

Retail box of squibs.

Context

Squibs are low-explosive devices which operate as a type of fuse. A hole is bored into a rock face, packed with black powder, and a squib is inserted into the open end of the hole. Once lit, the miner and nearby workers have a short amount of time to vacate the area before the explosion. Once blown, the coal and rock can be further separated before being loaded on a cart for transport to the surface for processing.

Collection

Coal Mining Tools, Fred Barkey Collection

Category

Flammable

Made/Created

Manufacturer

F.J. Roberts Squib Company

Inscription/Signature/Marks

Type

Label

Location

box side

Transcription

KEEP DRY 100 ROBERTS' FORMERLY MFD. BY JOHN R. POWELL Improved Safety Squibs, Rocket No.1 A PART OF THE MATCH IS WITHIN THE SQUIB. NO SEAL TO CUT OFF. EXAMINE EACH SQUIB BEFORE USING.

Type

Label

Location

box side

Transcription

THESE MATCHES MUST NOT BE BROKEN OFF "A careful miner is the best safety appliance"

Type

Label

Location

box side

Transcription

MANUFACTURED BY F. J. ROBERTS SQUIB CO. PUNXSUTAWNEY, PENNA.

Type

Label

Location

box side

Transcription

DIRECTIONS The Squibs to be used as they are in the box. Let the Squib loose as possible in the hole. In steep holes it may be fastened very lightly. Always let the match and half an inch of the squib extend outside of the needle hole. Apply fire to the end of match. The usual precaution must always be taken in case of misfire.

Type

Label

Location

box end

Transcription

OPEN HERE

Parts

box + multiple squibs, uncounted

Material

Paper

Web Links and URLs

Squib