Old DuPont can

[Brokennock]

I think we have clearly shown, these are not Roman Numerals. Please observe post #12.
This seems to show that these are not Roman Numerals but a poorly thought out stylized font. We often see logos, maker's marks, and such utilizing a connection of similar letters even today. In the case of indicating powder granulation this would seem to have been a bad idea. And appears to have been abandoned.
We have seen other pictures from the same approximate time period that do have a more clear indication of powder granulation, i.e. ffg or fffg and they all say "Superfine" on them.

 

[OLUT]

Several posters have hit this correctly, as FFFg. Here's an image & description from the Hagley Museum ( If you are interested in duPont powder cans and other old stuff & technology, their collection is unsurpassed!)

 

[Eddie Southgate]

3 F is what it is . Superfine was like a trade name and had nothing to do with granulation . It was their Sporting Grade powder .

 

[Musketeer]

I think we have clearly shown, these are not Roman Numerals. Please observe post #12.
This seems to show that these are not Roman Numerals but a poorly thought out stylized font. We often see logos, maker's marks, and such utilizing a connection of similar letters even today. In the case of indicating powder granulation this would seem to have been a bad idea. And appears to have been abandoned.
We have seen other pictures from the same approximate time period that do have a more clear indication of powder granulation, i.e. ffg or fffg and they all say "Superfine" on them.

I believe you are spot on. I initially thought they were Roman, as my previous post indicates, but I now see what you're talking about (i.e., confusingly stylized Fs). No wonder they later changed the labeling. Folks back then were likely as confused by their font as we are.

 

[sheriff john]

We bought powder in these cans in the 1950's. - early 60's. Still have two *one marked "$1.60". That might seem old so some but I well remember when that's what DuPont 1-pound cans came in. Used to have a small box of empties, gave 'em all away. They're not THAT old.

All bought at Graf & Sons in Mexico, Missouri when they were a gas station with a rack of guns.

 

[Jayhawkdan]

Yes, somewhat.
I notice they all seem to say, " Superfine," on them.
View attachment 85511View attachment 85512
But I also notice the letter F is a lot better defined in these slightly later examples.

Not a historian here, but have been studying the history of the development of black powder. It seems that DuPont labeled all their black powder as "superfine," and then indicated on the can the granulation, i.e. Fg, FFg, FFFg,, etc.

Jayhawkdan