Imitation Bedbugs and Squirting Cigarettes: A Look Inside the Joke Novelty Business of 1946
by Maurice Zolotow, from the June 1, 1946, issue of The Saturday Evening Post One of [Adams’] consolations is that few children buy these jokers’ novelties, apparently on the theory that it is cheaper simply to put a tack under Aunt Susie than to pay 25 cents for No. 774, the Shooting Book — “A large book which shoots when opened.” Retailers bear out Adams’ contention that the overwhelming majority of buyers are men past 30. Consider the Joy Buzzer: a round tin box which is secreted in the fingers of the joker’s hands. When he shakes hands with the victim, the machine gives fort...
Source: saturdayeveningpost.com