Guncotton was one of the standard explosives used by the British Army. It could however become dangerously unstable if it dried out. It was therefore kept is special metal tins with watertight lids, which ensured that the guncotton remained wet, a certain amount of water being added to the tin. Exactly how much was detailed on a label on the side of the metal tin. Each tin was contained within a open wooden crate which included information about the contents.
The tin contained the Guncotton in slabs 6 x 3 x 1.465 inches (15.2 x 7.6 x 3.7 cm) with a central hole designed to hold a primer. The primer was necessary to trigger the guncotton to explode. Each slab was marked with the year of manufacture and the initials of the manufacturer. It was most commonly used as a cutting charge. Photos show the army attaching guncotton charges to steel bridges to cut the girders.
One crate was part of the standard issue of Patrols in the early part of the war. Snargate Patrol for example had one on a list of equipment issued to them.
The crate was scanned in 3D with the assistance of Portland Museum as part of National Lottery Heritage Fund sponsored projects being undertaken by both organisations in 2022/3.