8 replies to this topic

[spectrum]

You read it right! During research on the history of pyrotechnic/firework manufacture I came across explosive corks time after time. These things were made and imported in the early part of the last century and I am keen to know more.

 

I believe they were used as burglar alarms in some instances in the same way as we now see alarm mines with shotgun blanks, they were also used as noise makes in toy guns that "need no licence" according to the blurb on the adverts.

 

Can anyone shed an light on the subject? They were certainly very significant in the market with several companies involved in their manufacture.

 

Paul M.

[dave]

could they have anything to do with a "automobile tyre blowout simulator" ?

 

filled with armstrongs type mixture
 
check out Impact Firecrackers by John Donner revised November 1996

www.privatedata.com/byb/pyro/impactfirecrackers.pdf

[spectrum]

No Dave, these things pre-date this and were popular turn of the last century. I have started to form the opinion they were recreational noisemakers in one market and alarm units in another.

[dave]

interesting,...........do you have any references we could look at

 

I've never come across anything like that searching for this and that over the years, I would be interested to hear more

just for curiosity

[Mortartube]

There is a resource at the National Archives but otherwise I can find no reference. http://discovery.nat...5951212&catln=6

[Vic]

There is a resource at the National Archives but otherwise I can find no reference. http://discovery.nat...5951212&catln=6

 

Well done for finding that, anybody going to order a copy?

[dave]

I'm in the process of getting a copy.........couldn't see how to register on the website
so emailed them.
 
the cost for a digital copy is free
 
I will give details when I receive it

[dave]

quotation for the reproduction was £24-50 !!

 

no way i'm paying that

[fruitfulsteve]

Shimizu fireworks p275 there is a device called a booby trap, could be related, maybe the 'cork' bit is more a description of the effect (popping Champagne cork) than a physical description of the device ??