Early 20th Century Powder Question?

[Mike of the Mountain]

Looking at deciphering some mid-1920s pattern data and the powder used is marked as DS. I can't find whether it means Dupont Smokeless or Dense Smokeless (which could be Ballistite or Infallible). Anyone have any data on those early smokeless powders and exactly what DS would be? It was used in the Parker factory for pattern tests.

[Jeff K.]

Mike,
Are you sure it isn't BS. Most of my hang tags are marked Bulk Smokeless.
Jeff

[Mike of the Mountain]

Jeff, it’s definitely DS. Even Chuck agrees. It’s not like one entry that could be read differently. There are many entries. One entry on the page did specify EC powder.

[Phil C]

This may or may not be helpful, but AI states this.

In the early 20th century, the designation DS (also seen as D.S.) referred to DuPont Smokeless shotgun powder.
This propellant was part of the transition from black powder to modern smokeless powders. Key details regarding its history and use include:
Manufacturer: It was produced by the DuPont company in the United States.
Powder Type: It was a "bulk" smokeless powder, designed so that it could be measured by the same volume as the black powder it replaced.
Performance: DS powder was known for being a relatively "fast" burning propellant, making it suitable for standard shotgun loads and clay target shooting.
Market Context: During this era, shooters often chose between "bulk" powders (like DuPont Smokeless or Schultze) and "dense" powders (like Ballistite or Infallible), which required smaller, more precise charges.

[Mike of the Mountain]

That makes sense and the direction I was leaning. Thanks Phil.

[Big D]

I have an OLD DuPont powder can at my cabin. Will check out the nomenclature when I get back there in about2 weeks

[Mike of the Mountain]

I'm surprised Researcher hasn't added some input.

[Mike of the Mountain]

What I’ve found, which correlates to Phil’s post-


Parker Brothers used a variety of gunpowders for factory pattern testing, transitioning from black powder to early "bulk" smokeless powders around the turn of the 20th century. Key propellants identified in their testing and factory tags include DuPont Smokeless (often listed as DS or D.S.), "E.C.", and Schultze.

[Jeff K.]

I have hang tags with Bulk Smokeless, DuPont and Schutze Powders mentioned.

[Researcher]

DS is the abbreviation for Dead Shot smokeless powder. From the 1910 Union Metallic Cartridge Co. catalog and price list --

1910 page 45 shotgun powders.jpeg

A Dead Shot ad from The American Field, January 12, 1907 --

Dead Shot Smokeless, The American Field, Jaanuary 12, 1907.jpeg