Black powder cannon, any info??

[Death_In_E_Minor]

First, if this more suited for the water-cooler, than please move it.
I bought a mini black powder cannon today from a thrift store for $5. I can tell it is old, but aside from that, there are no markings or anything.
4 questions:
Does anybody know what make/model this is a model of?

Does anybody know the company that made this mini cannon?

What could I use for a breach that would be safe? The original wasn't on it. I can shove firecrackers down it, and I doubt that would put me in any danger, but lets say I did want to use black powder...

Do you think anything would be safe to fabricate or should I just stick to firecrackers?

Warning: Never look into barrel of cannon. Do not fire closer than 2 feet from ears or eyes.

 

[Threeband]

That is NOT a black powder cannon.

I think it's a carbide cannon.




http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big-Bang_Cannon

 

[Engine4]

Yes, that's a carbide cannon from the '60s. It's missing the ignitor.

 

[shaddydan]

Carbide for sure! Actually louder than BP!

 

[Death_In_E_Minor]

Thanks alot. I have emailed a few places to see if I can buy the parts for it.

 

[Blacksmith101]

When you get it working you will need carbide. Lehmans sells carbide this would be a lifetime supply.
https://www.lehmans.com/p-2220-five-2-lb-cans-of-calcium-carbide.aspx

It looks like they are still selling one very similar to yours.
http://www.bigbangcannons.com/

They also sell parts and have instructions.

 

[Machodoc]

Not much to add here, but I think that same model was made for quite a few years. A friend had one* back in the 1950s. I was jealous as hell, but my dad wasn't the sort to splurge on anything not absolutely necessary--still lived in the Great Depression mode all his life. Now that I see they are still made, I may have to get one ... *ahem* ... for my sons.

(*It was his dad's toy, really, bought with the excuse that it was for the kid. )

 

[Engine4]

Lots of fun! I made a ton of noise with those way back when.

 

[ColonelHurtz]

That's a "Big Bang" carbide cannon and they are still in business.
Contact the company and see if they have parts to restore your find.

 

[Death_In_E_Minor]

I contacted them, and they gave me a list of parts to buy. I only have to spend like $15 to get it working again. When I order the parts and when I get it working, I'll post some video.

 

[J Beard]

FYI
Calcium carbide + water = acetylene gas
same as used in cutting torches, and old miners lamps
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbide_lamp
I still have a can of the stuff that is near 30 years old from caving trips in middle and high school. Don't know what happened to my old lamp.

 

[SOMDSHOOT]

You're missing a few parts. Big Bang cannons are still made in many different models and colors. Here's a video I found on YT while trying to find an old website dedicated to the Big Bang Cannons: I used to have 2 of these as a kid. They were given to me by my father.

Here you go I just found it: BigBangCannons.com

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[SOMDSHOOT]

When you get it working you will need carbide. Lehmans sells carbide this would be a lifetime supply.
https://www.lehmans.com/p-2220-five-2-lb-cans-of-calcium-carbide.aspx

It looks like they are still selling one very similar to yours.
http://www.bigbangcannons.com/

They also sell parts and have instructions.

My apologies for reposting the info. I just noticed you had already linked to the site.