The Gun Powered Mouse Trap - Funny Patents Part 2

When all you have is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail. Apparently the same rule applies when all you have is a six-shooter. Fellow history buffs and invention trivia fans, we present to you: the Gun Powered Mouse Trap.

One can only assume that there must have been a long running feud between J. A. Williams and the rodents of Fredonia, Texas. Clearly there was some bad blood, for only the deepest of grudges could have called for such extreme measures. What foul treachery and deceit lay at the heart of this dispute? We may never know (but our working theory involves cheese).

While our research has yet to turn up any documented evidence of this epic dispute, there is no questioning that for Williams the situation had escalated to all out war. The purpose of the invention was not to "trap" the rodent at all but to "destroy" it - with extreme prejudice. To quote the patent filing:

"The object of my invention is to provide a means by which animals which burrow in the ground can be destroyed, and which trap will give an alarm each time that it goes off, so that it can be reset."

The Gun Powered Mouse Trap

The general idea was that a loaded gun would be mounted onto a wooden frame with a rod connected to the trigger, and any rodent fool enough to tread upon the attached treadle would be blown to smithereens. The sound of the gunshot would also conveniently notify you (and anybody else within earshot) that the trap has been set off. J. A. Williams then goes on to suggest that this device could also be mounted on doors and windows to serve as a burglar alarm:

"This invention may also be used in connection with a door or window, so as to kill any person or thing opening the door or window to which it is attached."

Yikes! Thank you Mr. Williams, but I think I will stick with my home alarm that doesn't kill things.

While it's not exactly the most original invention, one must credit Williams for his determination to do something - anything - to deal with his mouse problem. What this invention lacks in engineering prowess (or even general creativity) it more than makes up for with over-the-top absurdity. It is like something straight out of Looney Toons - the only way it could get any better is if the patent illustration included Tom the cat setting the trap.

Naturally, we've added this design to our catalog. After all, who wouldn't want this fine illustration to adorn their walls?