Things Now Gone

[SteveHB]

So when you say "it was replaced by something more modern in the 1920's"

Would that be the -

Screw Top

Crown Top

Stopper

Cork

I suspect the first option.

Think it was the Screw Top that finally put the stoppers on Codd bottle manufacture.

[DaveH]

Think it was the Screw Top that finally put the stoppers on Codd bottle manufacture.

The screw top is still widely used today.

Even bottles of quite good quality wine seem to come with screw tops these days instead of the traditional cork, or even the more recent plastic plug type of "cork".

[hilldweller]

The screw top is still widely used today.

Even bottles of quite good quality wine seem to come with screw tops these days instead of the traditional cork, or even the more recent plastic plug type of "cork".

The pop bottles of my mis-spent youth had an internal screw stopper made from some strange pitch type cement material with a very coarse rounded profile thread and the seal was a rubber ring up under the shoulder of the stopper.

In those days you took them back to claim the 3d deposit. Beer-off shops used to have their back-yard used bottle stores fortified like Fort Knox in order to deter eager young lads from carrying out very rapid re-cycling.

HD

[vox]

The pop bottles of my mis-spent youth had an internal screw stopper made from some strange pitch type cement material with a very coarse rounded profile thread and the seal was a rubber ring up under the shoulder of the stopper.

In those days you took them back to claim the 3d deposit. Beer-off shops used to have their back-yard used bottle stores fortified like Fort Knox in order to deter eager young lads from carrying out very rapid re-cycling.

HD

I remember them well HD.

Like this - (can't find a better picture)

[SteveHB]

I remember them well HD.

Like this - (can't find a better picture)

I can vox, on this site.

[ukelele lady]

Can any one remember the roll of caps that you used to put into toy guns?

They wouldn't be allowed now, far far too dangerous.

For those who didn't have a toy gun as I didn't, we used to scrape them on the pavement

to make them bang. great fun, I used to be a proper tom boy. :)

[RichardS]

We used to make 'pen top bangers' for a better bang, using a plastic Biro lid folding the caps in and leave a short fuse, place said object in a wall, light and boom.

Talking of childhood toys anyone remember 'bobby arrows' ?

[hilldweller]

We used to make 'pen top bangers' for a better bang, using a plastic Biro lid folding the caps in and leave a short fuse, place said object in a wall, light and boom.

Talking of childhood toys anyone remember 'bobby arrows' ?

I can't get him in trouble now because he's been lying in his beloved Loxley Valley soil for many years, but my father used to bring me home lengths of Cordtex safety fuse from his job in the clay pits. This looked like clothes line but had a thin thread of cordite or something similar through the middle. If you lit one end the burn would travel through it at about an inch in two seconds, then it would spurt out the far end with a fizzle.

It didn't take me long to discover that if you bound it with wire into a loop it would go off with a very sharp crack. This gave me the idea that if I bound a length into multiple loops in the manner of a "Jumping Jack" it might just work.

It did, big time, the first crack was in our back yard, the second about 3 gardens away, the third in the next road and so on.

The entire street came out to see what was causing the gun-shots and I decided to take the dog for a very long walk.

On another occasion my father came home with a canister of explosive that some-one in the pub had given him. It was a cartridge for starting very large diesel engines in loco's or earth movers.

We took it up on Wadsley Common and set it off. It went with a whoose rather than a bang and made enough smoke to cover a couple of football pitches.

When I think about it all now, it's the biggest wonder I'm still here.

HD

[DaveH]

Can any one remember the roll of caps that you used to put into toy guns?

They wouldn't be allowed now, far far too dangerous.

For those who didn't have a toy gun as I didn't, we used to scrape them on the pavement

to make them bang. great fun, I used to be a proper tom boy.

They are still available from specialist dealers who supply them to collectors of toy cap guns.

I personallt would have thought, like you, that they would have been banned long ago on the grounds of health and safety.

"Caps" are so called because they are actually a smaller version of the percussion cap used in the cartridges of bullets in a real gun where the cocked hammer, when triggered, strikes the percussion cap, causing it to go off and ignite the gunpowder in the cartridge which propels the bullet.

Some of my better chemistry students thought wrongly that caps contained nitrogen tri-iodide, a dangerously explosive substance which goes off with almost the lightest touch. This is found in those other dangerous things kids have these days that look like a twist of paper but when thrown on the floor it explodes. Nitrogen tri-iodide is easily recognised as when it explodes it gives a purple "smoke" of iodine vapour which leaves yellowish brown stains and an antioseptic smell of iodine.

However, when caps go off, there is a bit of smoke (gunsmake) and a very distinctive smell of phosphorus which gives away what it is. Caps have their origins in both the development of real guns and also the development of matches which have a similar smell when struck. Early matches, called "Lucifers" were not safety matches and could be struck on any surface. To allow them to do this phosphorus and sulphur, along with a suitable oxidising agent were the usual reagents.

Most caps contain Armstrongs Mixture, - a mixture of red phosphorus, potassium chlorate(V) and a smaller amount of sulphur.

These are not the nicest or safest of chemicals to have lying around in a kids toy and these days they wouldn't be found in a toy "chemistry set" either.

[hilldweller]

They are still available from specialist dealers who supply them to collectors of toy cap guns.

I personallt would have thought, like you, that they would have been banned long ago on the grounds of health and safety.

"Caps" are so called because they are actually a smaller version of the percussion cap used in the cartridges of bullets in a real gun where the cocked hammer, when triggered, strikes the percussion cap, causing it to go off and ignite the gunpowder in the cartridge which propels the bullet.

Some of my better chemistry students thought wrongly that caps contained nitrogen tri-iodide, a dangerously explosive substance which goes off with almost the lightest touch. This is found in those other dangerous things kids have these days that look like a twist of paper but when thrown on the floor it explodes. Nitrogen tri-iodide is easily recognised as when it explodes it gives a purple "smoke" of iodine vapour which leaves yellowish brown stains and an antioseptic smell of iodine.

However, when caps go off, there is a bit of smoke (gunsmake) and a very distinctive smell of phosphorus which gives away what it is. Caps have their origins in both the development of real guns and also the development of matches which have a similar smell when struck. Early matches, called "Lucifers" were not safety matches and could be struck on any surface. To allow them to do this phosphorus and sulphur, along with a suitable oxidising agent were the usual reagents.

Most caps contain Armstrongs Mixture, - a mixture of red phosphorus, potassium chlorate(V) and a smaller amount of sulphur.

These are not the nicest or safest of chemicals to have lying around in a kids toy and these days they wouldn't be found in a toy "chemistry set" either.

Our science master showed us how to make the iodine compound !

He used to scatter the still wet substance on the floor just inside the lab before lunch. The first class into the room after lunch would be dancing after the style of the wild west. The floorboards were stained a deep purple. A very small amount inserted into a lock could cause havoc and sometimes burnt fingers.

HD

[DaveH]

Our science master showed us how to make the iodine compound !

He used to scatter the still wet substance on the floor just inside the lab before lunch. The first class into the room after lunch would be dancing after the style of the wild west. The floorboards were stained a deep purple. A very small amount inserted into a lock could cause havoc and sometimes burnt fingers.

HD

Many years ago I used to do exactly the same and demonstrate how to make nitrogen tri-iodide.

I don't do it any more and I am sure if I tried I would be in a lot of bother, if it isn't banned it should be!

Firstly, there is a difference between a chemistry master demonstrating the stuff and a group of young lads messing about with it. the difference is experience and responsibility.

Secondly, it is made from iodine and ammonia, both chemicals commonly found in the home (one in the first aid cabinet, other under the kitchen sink) so it is likely to be "copied" by keen young lads in the know at home.

Thirdly, kids have no appreciayion of quantities as well as safety. part of the demo would be to make a small amount that could be handled, used and disposed of safely. Young lads would just try to make as much as possible in one go which would be asking for trouble.

No wonder chemistry isn't as popular as it used to be, - a lot of the "fun" stuff has had to go.

[ukelele lady]

Can anyone remember " Swap Shops ".

I remember as a kid looking through the shop windows which to me at the time

seemed like an aladins cave. In the late 50s it was mostly cameras , every one

wanted to own a camera or upmarket the one they already had. I can still remember the

swap shop on Infirmary Road but there must have been many more in the city.

[RichardB]

Can anyone remember " Swap Shops ".

I remember as a kid looking through the shop windows which to me at the time

seemed like an aladins cave. In the late 50s it was mostly cameras , every one

wanted to own a camera or upmarket the one they already had. I can still remember the

swap shop on Infirmary Road but there must have been many more in the city.

One (Galaxie ??) just by the roundabout at West Bar - next to a curry-house (Shalamar ?).

[RichardB]

Can anyone remember " Swap Shops ".

I remember as a kid looking through the shop windows which to me at the time

seemed like an aladins cave. In the late 50s it was mostly cameras , every one

wanted to own a camera or upmarket the one they already had. I can still remember the

swap shop on Infirmary Road but there must have been many more in the city.

One opposite the Library on South Road, Walkley - about four shops along from the end.

[RichardB]

Can anyone remember " Swap Shops ".

I remember as a kid looking through the shop windows which to me at the time

seemed like an aladins cave. In the late 50s it was mostly cameras , every one

wanted to own a camera or upmarket the one they already had. I can still remember the

swap shop on Infirmary Road but there must have been many more in the city.

and a hacky one at the top of Barber Road, Commonside - just below the Dram Shop.

[vox]

One (Galaxie ??) just by the roundabout at West Bar - next to a curry-house (Shalamar ?).

I bought an RSC GP30 valve amp from that shop for about £5. Late 70's, early 80's

At the time it was just a bit of old junk. Wish I still had it.

I worked on Love Street for a while in the late 80's. The shop was still there then I think.

[dunsbyowl1867]

My Granddad was a great fan and I recall being taken to one at Upwell Street at Grimesthorpe and one or two down Attercliffe. Fascinating places.

Can anyone remember " Swap Shops ".

I remember as a kid looking through the shop windows which to me at the time

seemed like an aladins cave. In the late 50s it was mostly cameras , every one

wanted to own a camera or upmarket the one they already had. I can still remember the

swap shop on Infirmary Road but there must have been many more in the city.

[Bayleaf]

Can any one remember the roll of caps that you used to put into toy guns?

They wouldn't be allowed now, far far too dangerous.

For those who didn't have a toy gun as I didn't, we used to scrape them on the pavement

to make them bang. great fun, I used to be a proper tom boy.

I remember you could get toy rockets shaped like a V2, on which you removed the nose cone and put in a cap (or several folded over each other.) The nosecone had a metal plunger, so when it was re assembled you threw it as high as you could to land on a hard surface and the plunger set off the caps. very satisfying!

We also had a Chemistry teacher who would coat the floor with nitrogen tri-iodide.

We never made the stuff, but did get our own back due to his habit of starting every lesson by vigorously cleaning the blackboard with the usual wooden-backed rubber. By breaking off a number of match heads and inserting them in the joint between the board rubber sections, we managed to get it to burst into flames when vigorously applied to the board.

[DaveH]

I remember you could get toy rockets shaped like a V2, on which you removed the nose cone and put in a cap (or several folded over each other.) The nosecone had a metal plunger, so when it was re assembled you threw it as high as you could to land on a hard surface and the plunger set off the caps. very satisfying!

Yes I can remember those.

Wonder what happened to them?

They were an alternative way of using caps rather than in a gun.

Using a couple of caps to replicate the 10 tons of high explosive at the nose end of a V2

[DaveH]

We also had a Chemistry teacher who would coat the floor with nitrogen tri-iodide.

We never made the stuff, but did get our own back due to his habit of starting every lesson by vigorously cleaning the blackboard with the usual wooden-backed rubber. By breaking off a number of match heads and inserting them in the joint between the board rubber sections, we managed to get it to burst into flames when vigorously applied to the board.

Must date you a bit then Bayleaf as these can't have been "safety matches"

Safety matches, almost universal these days (well, with a name with "safety" in the title they would be wouldn't they!! ), can only be struck on the surface provided on the side of the box, because half the chemicals are in the striking surface and half are in the match head.

Older matches had all the required chemicals in the match head and only required a surface providing sufficient friction to raise the temperature of the match head slightly to cause them to light. This type of match could be struck against a blackboard.

[DaveH]

Yes I can remember those.

Wonder what happened to them?

They were an alternative way of using caps rather than in a gun.

Using a couple of caps to replicate the 10 tons of high explosive at the nose end of a V2

Looks like they are still around

[DaveH]

I remember you could get toy rockets shaped like a V2, on which you removed the nose cone and put in a cap (or several folded over each other.) The nosecone had a metal plunger, so when it was re assembled you threw it as high as you could to land on a hard surface and the plunger set off the caps. very satisfying!

But not as satisfying as the effects of a real V2

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[hilldweller]

The toasting fork.

Now, although this is a proper kitchen item it would make an ideal addition to the companion set (a companion to the companions? )

What better way to make toast than with some bread on a toasting fork in front of a roaring hot coal fire.

My grandmother had a wonderous device for toasting KIPPERS over the open fire. It comprised of two identical metal grids made from thin steel rod and hinged together at the top. Opposite to the hinge a long steel rod handle was attached to each grid.

The kipper was placed on one grid, the other was hinged across it and the thing was held above the fire. This process was accompanied by much spitting and flaring up of the fire as the kipper dripped and the most revolting smell which I remember to this day. She also had an extending toasting fork to enable you to keep your knuckles cool if the fire was a bit brisk.

HD

[tozzin]

Can anyone remember " Swap Shops ".

I remember as a kid looking through the shop windows which to me at the time

seemed like an aladins cave. In the late 50s it was mostly cameras , every one

wanted to own a camera or upmarket the one they already had. I can still remember the

swap shop on Infirmary Road but there must have been many more in the city.

The first one I remember was on Button Lane, fantastic.

[ukelele lady]

Now when were the last time you used one of these?

Kids today don't believe you when you tell them what they were for, they think they are plant pot holders.

They are even more shocked when you tell them that they were kept under the bed, hence guzunda