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GENUINE ANTIQUE CIL BLASTING MACHINE & TNT CRATE

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:150.00 USD Estimated At:300.00 - 500.00 USD
GENUINE ANTIQUE CIL BLASTING MACHINE & TNT CRATE

CIL BLASTING MACHINE: This is an amazing example of early industry in North America. Used primarily in the Mines and for heavy construction that required blasting, this classic oak plunger style blasting machine was manufactured by Canadian Industries Limited (CIL), which was founded in 1910. They later went on to be manufactured by DuPont. It is believed to be a Model #50 Blasting Machine, It is an oak box measuring 6.5" wide, 8" thick & 13" tall. It weighs a whopping 21.5#. On the top of the box are 2 contacts, a leather handle, and a wooden plunger measuring 6.25" long. It is actuated by lifting the plunger, which is atop of a metal bar w/ teeth, known as a rack, that when depressed forcefully, engages internal gears that drive a generator, creating the electricity to safely detonate up to 50 blasting caps from a safe distance. On the front is a metal plate reading; "MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS / KEEP THIS MACHINE IN A COLD DRY PLACE. / KEEP ALL CONNECTIONS TIGHT AND CLEAN. / OIL BEARINGS OCCASIONALLY. / USE VASELINE ON RACK BAR AND GEARS. / CLEAN COMMUTATOR AND BRUSHES WITH / NO. 00 SANDPAPER, AND WIPE CLEAN. / BRUSHES MUST BE FIRMLY SET AGAINST COMMUTATOR.". CONDITION: Given the work environment for such a machine, it is amazing to be as solid & clean as it is. Wood is solid w/ only a few small cracks on front board, which just give it character. The floorboard has an area about 3" wide that has succumb to the elements but still retains strength and integrity. It is very solid. We took off the front board to examine components which all seem present and correctly connected. T-handle (plunger) works as intended and the connection of a multi meter demonstrated generation of voltage. Leather handle is intact but has become dry over the years. / WOODEN TNT CRATE: Wooden crate measuring 14"x14"x10". Crate stamped; on top "THIS SIDE UP / HIGH EXPLOSIVES / DANGEROUS" & on sides "HIGH EXPLOSIVES / DANGEROUS" and "TNT" & on front "GROSS 57 LBS. NET 50 LBS. / GRAIN TNT GRADE 1 / LOT WLD-1669 / DATE JUN 1943 / REPACKAGED HA 4-48". Nice blond wood in very nice condition w/ readable stenciling. (02-16440-1/JZ). $300-500