Big-Bang Cannon

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The Big-Bang Cannon is a unique early 20th century American toy. Big-Bang Cannons have made backyard celebrations a blast for literally generations of customers. The earliest models are still in use and are highly valued as a family keepsake.

A physics professor [1] at Lehigh University (Bethlehem, Pennsylvania) patented a "Gas Gun" in 1907. In 1912, aware of the value of this invention as a safe alternative to fireworks on the Fourth of July and at special events, the business of manufacturing Big-Bang Cannons started (an assistant professor from the same physics department at Lehigh was the company founder and owner until 1955.)

The original name of the company was the Gas Cannon Company. In 1916, the name was changed to the Toy Cannon Works. In 1924, the current company name...The Conestoga Company, Inc. went into effect.

1 How it Works
2 Patents
3 Trademarks
4 Big-Bang Cannon Trivia
5 See also
6 References
7 External links

[edit] How it Works

Calcium Carbide (mixture 160, 16x80) mixes with water in the chamber of the cannon, producing acetylene gas. A few seconds after the gas forms, a spark is ignited which results in a loud bang or boom. A key safety feature is that there is no recoil or kick when the cannon is fired. In fact, glass cannons were used as a company demo in order to show the chemical reaction taking place as well as the inherent safe quality of the product. Bangsite is the name (see "Trademarks" below) given to the calcium carbide mixture.

[edit] Patents

"Gas Gun".......patent no. 874,952...patented December 31, 1907
"Gas Cannon"...patent no. 1,352,715...patented September 14, 1920
"Toy Firearm"....patent no. 1,624,086...patented April 12, 1927
"Gas Gun".......patent no. 2,754,607...patented July 17, 1956

[edit] Trademarks

"BIG-BANG"...registered July 31, 1917...reg. no. 117,799
"BANGSITE"...registered June 10, 1952...reg. no. 559,919
"CONESTOGA COLLECTORS' SERIES"...registered November 26, 2002...reg. no. 2,653,490

[edit] Big-Bang Cannon Trivia

During the 1920s non-cannon models (planes, tanks, boats, pistols) were manufactured
In 1929, several issues of The Bangster were published to serve as a product selling guide for company reps
In 1936, a toy G-Gun was manufactured in an attempt to capitalize on the G Men craze of that era
Other unique items from the 1930s included a Giant Roller Coaster, Ro-To-Top, Spinning Top and Field Glasses
West Coast of the United States fireworks stands sold Big-Bang Cannons during the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s
Many antique models are still up for bid on eBay
Used as a teaching tool in Chemistry classrooms from High School to the University level
June 1976 Mechanix Illustrated instructed how to make a Big-Bang Cannon with 4" Pvc pipe...to celebrate the United States Bicentennial
The Conestoga Company currently manufactures Big-Bang Cannons (19 models) in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Lehigh County