Photos: Weird and/or offensive vintage fireworks

The 4th of July is behind us, but not fireworks. We'll likely be hearing explosions throughout the weekend -- even in places that have prohibited fireworks due to the high fire danger. Such bans were rare back in the day, even though a lot of the fireworks made during the...

By Michael Roberts

July 5, 2013

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The 4th of July is behind us, but not fireworks. We'll likely be hearing explosions throughout the weekend — even in places that have prohibited fireworks due to the high fire danger. Such bans were rare back in the day, even though a lot of the fireworks made during the first half of the 20th Century look dangerous as hell. As proof, check out the following gallery of fireworks catalog items from a collection assembled at Fireworksland.com. Some of them are odd, others are bizarre and the top pick is so flat-out offensive that our jaw is still on the floor. Check them out below. Number 10: Wild elephant Talk about an endangered species. Number 9: Auto joke bomb Always a favorite with members of the Mafia. Continue to keep counting down our gallery of weird and/or offensive vintage fireworks. Number 8: Battle mines A perfect way to keep the neighborhood kids on their toes. Number 7: White mule It packs one helluva kick.... Continue to keep counting down our gallery of weird and/or offensive vintage fireworks. Number 6: Firecracker cannon Why shoot over people's heads when you can aim right at them? Number 5: Spark plug bombs Continuing the hilarious theme of making drivers think their car is exploding. Continue to keep counting down our gallery of weird and/or offensive vintage fireworks. Number 4: Fireplane Not recommended for people with a fear of flying. Number 3: Tire bombs Flat tires have never been funnier! Continue to keep counting down our gallery of weird and/or offensive vintage fireworks. Number 2: Yowling Tiger Who doesn't love watching a majestic beast being ripped apart? Number 1: Smoking Sambo An incredibly offensive sign of the times. At least whoever thought of this is ashes by now....

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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