Expert: David Silver - 7/23/2006

Question
Mr Silver, thanks again for your time and I should have asked in previous question...Can the tin with cartridges be sent through the US Mail.? If one was not sure, could the cartridges be submersed in water or something to make sure they are harmless and maybe still keep them somewhat intact as a collectible?
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Followup To

Question -
Hi Mr Silver,  I have a tin with No.3 Eastman flash cartridges. there are 5 in a 6ea tin. They look okay. Can they be harmful or volatile? or may have they become inert by now. thanks, mike

Answer -
Hello Mike,

Flash cartridges date from around 1905 to 1925.  The magnesium compound that forms the basis for these flash cartridges is not terribly stable.  In fact, it's downright unpredictable.  If you lit one, it may actually still work just as the directions state.  On the other hand, it may not work at all.  More likely it would burn "cold" or with little energy, giving only weak light, rather than a strong and highly illuminating flash-burn.  (A proper burn would last a couple seconds and create a great deal of light.)  Another possibility is that it would "explode", but there's such a small controlled amount of powder in each cartridge that the explosion would be more of a suddenly popping puff of useless smoke.  As for harm, oh yes, there can be harm, but only if you do something obviously stupid with a cartridge.  Don't ignite one in front of your face (unless you really don't want to have eyebrows for the following month!) or any other parts of your body.  Don't ignite one too close to the ceiling (unless you like burns and smoke stains up there!).  Don't ignite one near drapes or curtains or fabric furniture.  Really, my best advice is to not ignite one at all!  As a collectible item, a nicely preserved tin with good clean graphics on the outside and the majority of cartridges still intact can sell for $30-$40 in the vintage photographica market these days.  They're not rare or terribly valuable, but they remain a fascinating reminder of a completely different age.

Best wishes,

David Silver  

Answer

Hi again,

It is perfectly safe to ship these through US mail.  To ignite, they literally need to be fired up.  They will not spontaneously combust, or anything like that.  They will not explode if handled roughly or impacted.  Do NOT soak them!  Just makes them soggy and yucky!  They're safe the way they are.  However, when you go to the post office, and they ask you that question about whether the contents of the package are "hazardous", remember to say "No!" or you'll run head first into civil service insanity!

Best wishes,

David Silver