Cherry bomb

Cherry bombs range in size from three-quarters to one and a half inches (1.9 to 3.8 cm) in diameter.

A typical cherry bomb contains a core of explosive composition (e.g., flash powder or, less commonly, black powder) which is generally encapsulated inside two nested paper cups, typically of the type used to plug the ends of an M-80, which is in turn most commonly surrounded by a layer (approx.

An ignition fuse is inserted into a hole drilled into the hardened sawdust sphere, all the way down to reach the explosive composition.

says they were originally charged with 5 to 10 times more explosive composition than was used in a standard one-and-a-half-inch (38 mm) paper firecracker.

[5] Cherry bombs with the original potency (>50 mg of powder) are considered explosive devices in the United States and possession, manufacture, or sale is illegal for individuals, unless they have a license or permit issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Some of the most common cherry bombs and globe salutes commercially available in the United States. Picture scale: the blue lines in the background are ½-inch apart. From top left:
  • Kent Cherry Flash Salute, c. 1958
  • Havre de Grace Cherry Bomb (aka Arrow Brand), c. 1946
  • Peacock Standard Globe Cracker Bomb (India Export), c. 1995
  • United Cherry Salute, c. 1964
Row two from left:
  • J.L. Morse Globe Salute, c. 1932
  • Po Sing Phantom Bomb, c. 1977
  • National Globe Salute, c. 1937
  • New Jersey Fireworks Cherry Bomb Salute, c. 1962
Row three:
  • Miller Cherry Bomb, c. 1958
  • United Globe Salute, c. 1934
  • Victory Globe Salute, c. 1931
  • Triumph Colored Marble Flash Salute, c. 1938
Bottom row:
  • United Cherry Salute, c. 1950
  • Victory Globe Flash Salute, c. 1937
  • Rozzi Cherry Salute (very faded), c. 1951
  • Unexcelled Cherry Salute, c. 1934
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