Original U.S. Pre-WWII Lot of Two Vintage “Big Bang” Carbide Cannons

Original Items. Only One Lot of 2 Available. The Big-Bang Cannon, also known as the Calcium Cannon, is an American toy cannon first manufactured in the early 20th-century. Numerous consumer fireworks injuries convinced a physics professor at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania to patent a "Gas Gun" in 1907, and the manufacturing of Big-Bang Cannons started in 1912, from the Gas Cannon Company.

This is a nice lot of two “Carbide Cannons” from the Post-WWI era, with one having a patent date of 1926. The first is a large black cannon on a 4-wheel carriage, with a still intact breech that can be removed to load the cannon. This example measures 13½ x 5½ x 6” and shows oxidation.

The second example is painted green with a two-wheel carriage. This example is marked on top of the block with CHARGER CONESTOGA CO. BETHLEHEM PA KEEP CLOSED, and marked underneath with the BIG BANG patent. This cannon measures 17 x 5½ x 5½”. We are unsure if they would still fire. 

A great pair of period cannons in great condition, ready for further research and display.