Brooksrun

That's pretty cool. I can't picture Granpap pulling a prank on anyone (he was pretty staid and upright by the time I came along); but, you never know! I always thought it was older(from twenties?)because of the "step on the starter" instruction. Anyways, it was always in the cash register at his shop... perhaps he confiscated it from my Dad who was a teen in the late 40's/early 50's. Thanks for insight to the "alarm" and maybe even my grandfather! Have a good one!

My grandfather was a mechanic for over 50 years (he started out assembling Model T's). When he passed away, among the things that I inherited was an item called "The Original Auto Burglar Alarm". The unused "alarm" is approximately 6 inches long, cylindrical and is wrapped in a red, white and blue paper covering. It has two yellow wires sealed to the exterior with a paper tape that says:"Do not break this seal" and "The Original Auto Burglar Alarm". The instructions that are printed on the side of the cylinder state:"Original Auto Burglar Alarm. Fasten each to spark plug; step on starter. It will smoke, whistle, SCREAM and smoke again. trade mark registered" Has anyone ever run across one of these and can you tell me anything about it? I would think that it's probably not something that was very safe to attach to a gasoline engine because I am guessing that it operated like a roman candle or firework. Anyways. I can't locate any information on the device and would be grateful for some insight. Thanks!!