BIG-BANG® Cannons are made by The Conestoga Company, Inc., which has been based in the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, since its founding in 1912.

The Conestoga Company, Inc. has survived two World Wars, the Great Depression, and the high tech revolution that put out to pasture many similar toys from that simpler age.

In 1907, a professor of physics at Lehigh University (Bethlehem, Pennsylvania) patented the "Gas Gun" (patent no. 874.952..December31, 1907). The value of this invention as a sane toy and a safe alternative to fireworks became readily apparent. In 1912, a business was started manufacturing BIG-BANG® Cannons. They quickly became a favorite among kids of all ages, and have remained so ever since.  [Inventor (bottom) and company founder (top)...both physics professors at Lehigh...are pictured here.] 

The early years consisted entirely of Breech Loading Cannons.  Also, replica planes, boats, tanks and pistols were manufactured. Other products included a Giant Roller Coaster, Ro-To-Top, Spinning Top, G-Gun and Field Glasses.  In 1935, the current (and best selling) line of automatic charger loading cannons was started.  In 1958, the company introduced its green military cannons, which features rubber wheels with an Army look. Brass replicas of the cast iron BIG-BANG® Cannons made from 1916 to 1934 are highly popular among collectors and as corporate gifts for valued employees.

In 2001, the company introduced its Conestoga Collectors' Series®, that recall its early line of products (including planes, boats and tanks...and a new Conestoga Civil War Cannon.)

BIG-BANG® Cannons are still made in Allentown, Pennsylvania (Lehigh County). The Conestoga Company, Inc. remains a family business with a continual line of ownership (only 3 owners during this time!) since the company's inception. Returns are less than 1% of units sold!

Read about the history of The Conestoga Company in the book "BIG-BANG CANNONS".