The weird and beautiful art of vintage firecracker labels

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Jeff Staton is a fan of vintage firecracker packaging art and has collected hundreds of examples of labels from around the world.

The labels range from the fantastical to the absurd. Most are crudely drawn with animal motifs or carry patriotic themes. Staton collects most firecracker packages from before 1972. The California native says that he started collecting the labels as a kid, keeping the labels he found on the beach the day after Independence Day.

Jeff Staton is a fan of vintage firecracker packaging art and has collected hundreds of examples of labels from around the world.

Make sure an adult is always present.

Eyes have it

Use eye protection.

Maintain distance once the fireworks are lit, and keep a fire extinguisher near.

Don't alter or re-light fireworks.

Don't wear loose clothing near firewoks and make sure the adults go easy on the alcohol.

Use fireworks only where the law permits.

If a hand gets burned and it looks like a sunburn, run it under cold water and cover with a light bandage. If the burned area bubbles or looks waxy, get to an emergency room.

Eye injury

Wash with water and nothing else. Don't rub or scratch.

If a child has severe or poorly controlled asthma, limit or avoid fireworks.

If a child has asthma, don't sit close or downwind of any display. Make sure the inhaler is nearby.

OneMind Dogs recommends that the pet's caretaker keep a calm attitude. Make sure all body language also shows calm and confidence. Let the animal know it's OK to seek a safe place, such as a crate. Reward with some small treats.

Make sure everyone, even children, understands fireworks safety.

Jeff Staton is a fan of vintage firecracker packaging art and has collected hundreds of labels from around the world.

The labels range from the fantastical to the absurd. Most are crudely drawn with animal motifs or carry patriotic themes. Staton collects most firecracker packages from before 1972.

"I look for labels on eBay and antique shops as well as trading with other collectors," Staton says. There are nearly 1,000 known brands of firecrackers he writes on his website.

A BIGGER BANG: Video shows 20K pounds of fireworks go up in smoke

Some firecracker labels can go for hundreds of dollars on eBay according to a recent search of the auction site. The earlier labels feature artwork reminiscent of traditional sailor tattoos or Asian tapestries.

Staton says that if you’d like to get into collecting, it can get pricey. Some of the vintage brands that are the most sought after include Anchor, Rocket, Dixie Boy and Red Devil, according to Staton.

The Black Cat brand has remained timeless.

California native Staton says that he started collecting the labels as a kid, keeping the labels he found on the beach the day after Independence Day.

Most firecracker packaging made after 1972 is worth less than a dollar per package.

"The most I've ever spent by far is $1,400 for a Flamingo label," says Staton.

"When I got older, I was fascinated to learn that there were other collectors. Of course, I'm always on the lookout when travelling. I've even made two trips to Macau," he says.

TRAGEDY: Child burned in Mexico fireworks explosion doing well at Shriners Galveston

The former Portuguese territory of Macau is a favorite of firecracker fanatics like Staton, who often make pilgrimages to the area to see now-shuttered factories and wharves where some of the firecrackers came from.

"When I went the first time, I met five other collectors in Taiwan and then we all flew together to Macau. It is a very small place with a lot of people, so it is very congested," he says.

According to Collectors Weekly, President Richard Nixon's lift of a trade embargo with China in 1972 led to that country becoming a firecracker superpower. It was cheaper to manufacture them there.

There is even a grading system for the packaging, not unlike comic books or trading cards.

Firecracker label collectors like Staton are a special breed as they are chasing an item that was usually thrown away right after all the fun was had.

The 2000 book "Firecrackers: The Art and History" by Warren Dotz, Jack Mingo, and George Moyer serves as a great primer on the world of firecrackers.

Source: A BIGGER BANG: Video shows 20K pounds of fireworks go up in smoke TRAGEDY: Child burned in Mexico fireworks explosion doing well at Shriners Galveston