Spud Gun (toy) - Early History

Early History

The first spud gun was invented during the Great Depression when few people would think of wasting a potato. The original inventor sold his patent to E. Joseph Cossman for USD$600 after World War II. Cossman, the brother in law of "Uncle" Milton Levine discovered there was a potato glut at the time and through an advertising campaign sold two million spud guns in six months.

Harder, drier potatoes are preferable sources of ammunition; red potatoes, or refrigerated potatoes serve well.

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