This burglar alarm was patented by George Pratt in 1883. A wire is attached to the trigger, which fires blank cartridges when pulled. It looks like a user might be able to load it with real cartridges.
Link via Hell in a Handbasket | Photo: Antique Arms
It was a crisp fall morning in Torts class when we discussed Katko v. Briney and learned you can't use spring guns anymore. So, so sad.